This is Findon - Elopement from the Gun Inn

THIS IS FINDON — these Findon Chronicles, created by Valerie Martin, contain scenes from her home village of Findon, West Sussex, U.K.

ELOPEMENT FROM THE GUN INN

This first ink drawing is by artist A. Elliott and was executed on 25th June 1897. The second sketch is by the same artist.... so you can take your pick as to which you like the best!

George Goatcher, who came from the nearby village of Washington, was innkeeper at the Gun Inn during the period c.1899 -1907. He is best remembered for erecting the wrought iron garden gates bearing his initials.

The Gun Inn pre 1903. The landlord's name displayed on the swinging sign is that of George Goatcher.

This is the neighbouring Washington landscape c. 1900, just to the north of Findon.

It is another pen and ink drawing by the artist Arthur Elliot (1852-?).

The picture depicts the bottom of the Bostal going north. The Washington church can just be seen.

George's son, Fred, was born at the Gun Inn. When only 17-years of age, Fred joined up during the Second World War as a member of the Police War Reserve. For over 20-years he was the manager of a garage (started by his father) in the High Street.

Fred Barrett became a trainer at The Downs Stables c. 1891 - 1899. The Goatcher family was closely related to the Barretts.

Fred Barrett's daughter, Annie, born 1872, eloped one night with her lover. This was via an upper storey window of the Gun Inn. She scrambled down a ladder to where George Clarke a stable lad was waiting for her. Many years later she paid a visit to the inn with her grandson.

The Square in Findon, pre 1909. The swinging pub sign is that of the Gun Inn.

When George Goatcher retired, he moved to Homefield, Cross Lane.

The large sign outside the Gun Inn during those days read...

The Steyning Breweries Limited. Fine Mild and Bitter Ales, Double Stout. Bass Bottled Ales. Guinness Stout. Food. Accommodation. Picnic Parties.

....and gives an idea of the fare on offer.

Continue if you would like to read about how Tramocars Nearly Came to the Gun Inn.

Back to the Gun Inn Index

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This is Findon Village — www.findonvillage.com is a continually growing record created by Valerie Martin exclusively for documenting life in Findon.

MAIL VALERIE

Do let me know of anything you hear about Findon - not too controversial. Please note that opinions expressed in the Findon Chronicles are not necessarily reflective of my own thoughts.... but sometimes they are!