The White Horse Inn
Westbourne, PO10 8UE
A great community pub - “Something for everyone”
Westbourne, PO10 8UE
A great community pub -
An Inn/Tavern since 1071 Tel:01243 - 372442
www.whitehorse.uk.com
The White Horse Westbourne History
It is clear that over the hundreds of years the building on the present site has seen considerable change. This has been mainly to the rear of today’s property in what is now just a yard, car park and garden. There have of course been internal changes but these have not been documented.
It is probable that the two detached buildings detailed on the Tithe map of 1840 (plot 854) were stables. Long demolished for parking etc.!
Interestingly, on the map of The Manor of Westbourne of 1640 (plot55) a substantial building is illustrated. This appears to show an archway into the building which would have been typical of the entrance for mail coaches and wagons to enter the enclosed inner yard.
That the building illustrated is an Inn is in little doubt. Looking carefully at the illustration you will see a projection from the front of the building. Upon this is shown the shape of a suspended sign. This would have been typical for the age. One stout beam was let into the building upon which was suspended the welcome sign of the White Horse, to gladden the hearts (and resolve) of the weary travelers. Other signs might have been at the track side or even overarching the track like an inverted U with a prominent sign overhead (marketing was alive and well even then!). This would not have been too difficult as most tracks were, of course, literally one carriageway in width.
What is not in doubt is that there are two Cells still in existence in what is now the Kitchen and administrative area of the western end of the building. These are small (about X x X) and are currently used as cupboards. They were probably used as holding cells for local miscreants prior to transport by the Constables from the rural area to more central justice in Chichester. Of course it was possible that summary justice was dispensed across the road in the Square!
It did of course make sense, transport, being as it was, to hold local villains in a place in which 24 hour supervision and food could be provided. A little bit of what we today call ‘Outsourcing’, which would have nicely added to the income of the Landlord.
So, what you see around you is in fact living history. Every beam and brick would have a tale to tell.
As in the past, the White Horse continues to be an integral part of Westbourne and carries on a long tradition of serving the residents of Westbourne and being a Community Inn.
An entry in the Manor records of 1640 shows a Danial Palmer to be in residence on a plot of some “1 Rod and 16 Perches” with a Tithe Apportionment payable of Three shillings and Sixpence. Thirty seven and a half pence in today’s money.
Court Room and Jail
It was common for Inns to play a prominent part in the administrative functions of the locality. The White Horse was no different. Inns were often substantial premises and able to offer various facilities. It is believed that The White Horse had a part of the building used as a “Court Room” This might have been quite small, not like our structured system, where local justice was administered.