'Lost' pubs - 2

The Cricketers, which adjoined Rivers Lodge, was bought by Theodora Wilson in 1917. (Theodora's Journal, p.154) She refers to it as the "Old Cricketers" and took possession on "her jubilee" - 8 January 1918 - her 50th birthday. She did not renew the licence and installed new tenants with a view to improving the area, which she calls "Cricketer''s Corner". The "horrid little yard" she refers to is presumably the small cul-de-sac behind the Congregational Chapel. See also pages 186 and 192 for her ongoing endeavours.

My grandmother ADA PEARCE (later Johnson) was born in the thatched cottage in Pimlico.

Later in her life she lived in what was the old Cricketers public house. I can clearly remember the long kitchen with its uneven quarry tiles and the excitement when Rothamsted (who owned the house) put in electricity. It also had lovely window seats which I would sit on and look out across the common and pretend I was in a hotel. My grandmother lived there with my uncle Harry Johnson and his wife Louise (nee Curl). Uncle Harry was a talented artist and drew many caricatures of local worthies for the magazine that was sent to the service men and women during the war. The house stands back from the others in the row and as seen now has an ugly conservatory in front of it.

I can also remember Mr Halsey who lived in the old Woodman Pub.