whitelogo

 

© Constable and Trustees of the
Town & Manor
of Hungerford

 

 

Website services for the Town & Manor of Hungerford
by Hugh Pihlens

Town and Manor of Hungerford
and Liberty of Sanden Fee
John of Gaunt Inn

 

The John of Gaunt Inn in Bridge Street, one of Hungerford’s excellent pubs, is owned by the Town and Manor.

Opening hours are from 12 noon each day, closing at 11pm Mon-Thu, 12 midnight on Saturday, and 10.30pm on Sunday.

Sunday lunch is served 12.00-15.30, and other special events and promotional evenings are advertised locally. Wi-Fi is available.

For more information, contact:
John O'Gaunt Inn
21 Bridge Street
Hungerford
Berkshire RG17 0EG
(01488) 683535
email: johnogaunt@ukonline.co.uk

Some notes on the history of the John of Gaunt Inn have been provided by Robert James:

There is no doubt whatsoever that the property where the John of Gaunt Inn now stands is ancient and could be as old as The Bear Hotel in Charnham Street.

This could date the property back to the reign of Henry III, early 13th century. It was part of the Priory of St John and then a Workhouse until 1799 when it became an Inn.

In the Parliamentary Report 1905 it stated that the “John of Gaunt” was a public house and was acquired by the Town & Manor by the Feeoffment of 1617 following the grant of the Manor in 1612 by James I.

Probably it was rebuilt in the 18th century together with the house on the south side as each are obviously built by the same designer and craftsman.

Quit rents were paid certainly from early 18th century probably by the tenant publicans.
IMG_0681(w)
IMG_0680(w)

Originally the Inn was called “The Lancaster Arms” and the badge still features on the hanging sign over the footpath in Bridge Street. Then in 1814 for whatever reason the name “John of Gaunt” features with the publican’s name Mr William Lye.

Since that time the name John of Gaunt has remained although frequently it is referred to as the “Johnny” by the local inhabitants.

It remains to this day owned by the Town & Manor of Hungerford Charity and is let on a long term lease to a blue chip brewer. This is an unusual arrangement but it has secured the future for the property in modern times.

Robert W. James
Trustee of the Town & Manor of Hungerford

Back to Top