IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Crofters Court, WITNEY, OX28 4DE

Dressed for the Jubilee

A town centre hotel and pub with function room and an Aunt Sally pitch in the courtyard. Aunt Sally is a throwing game which in the past was found in many pubs and fairgrounds. Oxfordshire is one of the few areas where it is still fairly common. Image Image Update:- now called the Rocket. Image

The Red Lion Hotel is now a Greene King (Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk) house. They probably acquired it when they purchased Morlands of Abingdon in 2000. It used to be known as the Red Lion Inn. The Red Lion remains the most common name given to public houses, inns and hotels. The name derives from King James VI of Scotland, who inherited the English throne in 1603, on the death of Queen Elizabeth I. He became King James I of England, and to reinforce his authority to rule, he decreed that all public buildings (including taverns) must display a heraldic red lion in a prominent position. This resulted in many pubs acquiring the Red Lion name. This particular Red Lion pub wasn't built until much later in the 17th century, but the tradition of using this name seems to have carried on for a long time. According to The Inn Sign Society's website, there are thought to be about 600 Red Lion pubs still in business, and over the years many more of the same name have closed. Image Image Update:- now called the Rocket. Image

The building is Grade II listed and dates from the late 17th century, but it was refronted in about 1840. There are later alterations. It was originally a private house. Image Image Update: now called the Rocket. Image

This used to be the Red Lion, then it was called Koi Witney and recently it became The Rocket. Throughout the changes it has remained owned by Greene King but the target "audience" seems to have changed. The website no longer mentions the traditional game of Aunt Sally which is almost certainly no longer on offer here. Instead you can have a pizza or sandwiches and in the evenings a dance floor is available. On Sundays they show films. Image How it used to be:- Image

Formerly the Red Lion, then Koi Witney and now the Rocket. Image

Time seems to have stopped for this shop although the flowers in the window seem to be real and alive. The council tax records appear to indicate that it is still occupied. The building is listed Grade II http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/details/default.aspx?id=397052

Witney has retained a large number of pubs, both in the central area and in parts further out. This old town centre pub was certainly around in the 17th century, when it was known as the Greyhound. Today it is a friendly pub attracting people of all ages, and offering good food at reasonable prices, as well as a range of drinks. The pub also has a pool table and darts. Image Image

The pub appears to be a Wychwood Brewery pub, which is part of Marston's, but the Wychwood beers are brewed at Witney. Image Image