Tuesday 24 January 2012

ABC Wednesday - Bridge Inn

 The Bridge Inn, Boughton on the Chester stretch of the Shropshire Union Canal.  I was fascinated by the chimneys of this pub which as you get closer
 enclose the sign that proclaims the the date 1899.  It was not the only ornate sign because going round to the front
 two putti celebrate the name and
the pub sign celebrates the chimneys.

I could find no other information of the history of the pub but it is near a canal mooring point and canal bridge number 123. You can always depend on lots of pubs on a canal.  I find it interesting that it was built at this late date when most canals were in decline (the railways were taking the trade) but perhaps the reason this canal was different because of rivalry.  The canal was leased to the LNWR (London and North Western Railways) and operated energetically because a large portion of the canal ran through the area of their great rival the Great Western Railway.  In 1895 there were about 400 boats operating on this stretch. By the 1920s the days of bulk water transport were ended.    But to bring up to date more of interest to me is that it was in last years Good Beer Guide and has a wide selection of real ale.  How did I miss that?  Next time we are down in this area I will have to shepherd my companions through the door and find out what is inside, apart from a Pub Quiz which I notice is on Sundays.

UPDATE:Thanks to the Landlord commenting here is the story of the Bridge Inn:
 "There are 6 fire places throughout the building, I think two more have been covered up in two of the bedrooms.The original Bridge Inn was one hundred meters up the road where a hump back bridge once crossed the canal, but was lost when the bridge was replaced with a bridge that trams could cross,that is the reason the pub was built when it was. I think the original pub was built a 50 or 60 years earlier".

Well that has certainly satisfied by historical curiosity and next time I am down in Chester I will have to satisfy my liquid curiosity and call in. The outside is to be painted in the spring so I suspect there is also another photo opportunity with canal to be taken.  

An entry to ABC Wednesday, a journey from A to Z now at the beginning of Round 10 

17 comments:

VioletSky said...

That is a magnificent looking building (and there must be lots of fireplaces inside with all those chimneys?)
Definitely check out the real ale and report back!

Leslie: said...

Although I don't care for beer or ale, I do enjoy the atmosphere in the British pubs. This one looks like it would be quite interesting inside.

Leslie
abcw team

Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio said...

You have the most pastoral and beautiful collection of images. They all evoke a sense of being, of connectedness. Brava!

Roger Owen Green said...

A wonderful historic place.

ROG, ABC Wednesday team

Carver said...

The bridge Inn is very attractive and I love the reflection in the first shot. Carver, ABC Wednesday team member

Carol said...

What a beautiful reflection shot of this choice pub! Would love to take a peek inside.

Barbara said...

How unusal all those chimneys, I see there are more on the other side. You will have to go in and sample the ales next time.

Chubskulit Rose said...

Big chimneys!

Rose, ABC Wednesday Team

Gayle said...

So quaint! I'd love to see the interior.

photowannabe said...

Would love to see the inside of this pub. So much character. Lovely.

Sallie (FullTime-Life.com said...

Great reflection and beautiful building and yeah, I definitely think you should check out what's on tap!

Unknown said...

Lovely reflection

Pheno, ABCW Team

Rajesh said...

Wonderful shots. Nice location for the inn.

Oakland Daily Photo said...

I love pub culture, especially since smoking has been forbidden indoors.

meryl said...

What a majestic building!

Anonymous said...

Hi all, im the landlord of this pub.your all more than welcome to come in and take a look!There are 6 fire places throughout the building, i think two more have been covered up in two of the bedrooms.Also the pub is being re painted in the spring.The original Bridge Inn was one hundred meters up the road where a hump back bridge once crossed the canal, but was lost when the bridge was replaced with a bridge that trams could cross,thats the reason the pub was built when it was. I think the original pub was built a 50 or 60 years ealier.

Joy said...

Thank you Mine Host that is fascinating information, the chimneys were intriguing, I will update my post. Thanks for taking the time to comment, I don't know when we will be next down in your area but definitely will call in when we are.