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 Robi n Hood from circa 1827.
The pub had a large billiard room where exhibitions were held.
During the period of the photo above the Robin Hood, was owned by Robert Monk, who left his fortune around £20,000 to his native village of Foxton.
(LM 1984 May21)
In 1866, John Crowhurst planned to demolish the pub and erect a new hotel on the site. Opposition to this was made by the neighbouring 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 was fined for harbouring prostitutes.
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