The Chequers Inn

Owners and Landlords etc

The following information was provided by Sybil Caban (nee Eyres).  Work on building the 'New' Chequers started in 1934 and it was officially opened in September 1937. At the end of the 'Old' Chequers were the living quarters adjacent to the Lambert's farmhouse with two additional bedrooms above the bars. The Eyres family lived in the premises throughout the building period, having to move into a number of every decreasing rooms until the main building was complete at which time they were able to move into the new living quarters above the bars.  The old living quarters were then demolished and not replaced. The 'New' Chequers is set back from the original in space freed up by the demolition of outhouses, pig sties, cowsheds and stables. Howlett's Butcher's Shop was attached to the 'Old' pub and was never rebuilt.  The owning Brewery was Bullards and Sons of Norwich.  Beer was delivered on a Thursday by Holmes of Brandon.  The pub then opened Thursday night, Friday, Saturday and by Sunday they were sold out. Sybil recalls selling 10, 72 gallon barrels in one such period. She also recalls that a water pump was located outside the pub and remembers having to use it to fill the 500 gallon tank at the pub.  When water started coming out of the overflow was the time to stop pumping!

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