Writing on the Change of Horses Information Board

Image: © David Hillas Taken: 23 Sep 2023

This photo shows the writing on the Change of Horses information board as follows: The Change of Horses - Public House Formerly the New Inn The age of the present public house is not known. It is likely to be early 19th century. Its origin was probably a wayside ale house for travellers. Brewing was carried out on the premises for many years. The name 'New inn' usually implies there was once an 'Old Inn'. The public house was a stopping place on the stagecoach route from Old Kent Road to Sevenoaks and Tonbridge. The passengers would alight at the 'White Lion' at Locksbottom to spend a night there while the driver, horse and coaches would proceed to Farnborough. The horses would be turned out into the field opposite (now the village recreation ground). In the morning the passengers would be collected after a good breakfast and continue on their journey. Prior to the second world war, there was much activity here on a Sunday lunchtime. Horses were run up and down the High Street and much buying and selling took place mainly with gypsies. Many villagers turned out each week to see the interesting and colourful spectacle. Outside each public house was usually a horse trough made of various materials. A long wooden trough was in evidence outside the 'New Inn' for many years to cater for the coach and horse teams and other visitors with horses. The village holds an annual St Giles Fair. On one particular occasion during the 1970's the public house had three names. It opened in the morning as the 'New inn', at lunchtime became the 'Golden Nuggett' (to suit the theme of the fair that year) and in the evening adopted its new name of 'The Change of Horses'. It is a regular meeting place for locals and many village organisations. March 1991

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