One of the more familiar pictures of the Robin Hood, decorated for King Edward VII’s coronation in 1902. On either side is the Castle Inn (left) and Wheatsheaf (right).
In 1663, the Town Arms and Cinque Foil were recorded in deeds as being one and the same. The building had a rear backing on to the market place.
Recorded in directories as the Robin Hood from circa 1820s Mr John Spooner named as landlord. Spooner owned horses, he had a horse ‘Mountbank’ and sold it to the Marquis of Exeter. That same year two men named Francis called at the Robin Hood after time and called for ale on being refused they assaulted Mr Spooner , the two men were made to pay a sovereign each to the Royal Infirmary.
Hammond Shipley licensee. c1830s Eliza Walton also 1830s 1840 Samuel Worrall. 1849 both the Robin Hood and Wheatsheaf adjoining were put up for sale
The pub had a large billiard room where exhibitions were held.
During the period of the photo above and below the Robin Hood, was owned by Robert Monk, who left his fortune around £20,000 to his native village of Foxton.
(LM 1984 May21)
1855 A Cowen licensee, 1863 Richard Rudkin, In 1866, John Crowhurst owner and now licensee planned to demolish the pub and erect a new hotel on the site. Opposition to this was made by the neighboring businesses who argued this would turn it into an undesirable gin palace, and the magistrates at the time were concerned about the growing number of conversion of alehouses into ‘dram shops and dancing saloons.’
Crowhurst prevailed, the old Robin Hood was pulled down, and a new building erected.
In 1875, John Crowhurst applied and was granted to have a restaurant built next door to be called the Criterion. As with many pubs around the clock tower, the Robin Hood was frequented by less desirable customers as twice in 1888 the landlord now Robert Monk -1884-was fined for harbouring prostitutes. 1894 William Oakey was licensee and John Sykes the owner. a year later Robert Monl listed as owner and licensee again. 1915 Robert had died so Sarah Monk became licensee, Sarah inherited the Robin Hood and sold it on to Bass Ratcliffe & Gretton 1921. William Henry George (Richard?) became landlord.
March 1931 James Clarke was installed as licensee. 1932 Carl Cecil Clover. 1938 Lance Hill. 1950 Walter Clow.
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