The building now known as The Griffin, dates back to the 1500s during the rein of King Henry VII. At its origin the building had the purpose of a farmhouse known as Peppers.
It was not until 1744 that the building became an Inn, it is believed that its first proprietor was Anthony Challis as in 1940 an earthenware mug with the inscription of his name and a griffin was dug up in the beer garden.
Thomas Bacon is another man who it is believed had his name above the Griffin’s threshold as his last will was discovered on the premises, the remains of this will is still present on the property and can be seen by all on the wall at the bar.
The history behind the building pours out of all crevices, the oak beams surrounding the open fireplaces originate from the ships dismantled in around the time of which the building was built. The ornate carved woodwork dates back to the 15th century and it is believed they were originally in the local church but were discarded under the orders of Henry VIII during his reformation of the church.
The stories of which the building has seen are still being told, even where the eye can not see; one of the upstairs bedrooms has a secret chamber between its walls, the only access to this chamber is via one of the three fireplaces. The secret chambers would have been used by monks in the days of Mary Tudor ‘Bloody Mary’ during her persecution of religious opponents.
The road of which the griffin over looks has always been a main highway of travel in past and present, due to the almost constant passing traffic the Inn has always been protected from ever being shut off from the passing world. The prominent position on a main highway that the Inn holds has encouraged and welcomed many colourful characters across its threshold,
one of these being Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832) who stayed in the rooms upstairs several times in the early 19th century. His appreciation for the Inn was demonstrated in the introduction of his first novel, Waverley, in which he describes the Griffin as an ’ancient hostelry’. During his stays at the Inn Sir Walter Scott wrote the concluding chapter of the romantic novel Queen Hoo Hall. Sir Walter Scott also holds the classics Rob Roy and Ivanhoe in his repertoire.
It is believed the spirits of several visitors to the building (including a small girl) still remain and on occasions make themselves known.
Today the Griffin still encourages and welcomes all across its threshold to come and enjoy the wide range of ‘Home Cooked’ food and beverages, both of which will be served with enthusiasm, commitment and most importantly a friendly smile by any member of our team.
