The Plough @ Grimsargh

Blue sky over Grimsargh this afternoon after another damp morning so another trip around the Guild Wheel in the late afternoon.
The Plough of today was first constructed in 1785 and was originally a coaching house and combined farm, which was under control of the local squire until 1831. In those days landlords had to deposit 10 golden guineas with the squire as assurance they would keep good behaviour at the inn. As to which squire that was is a good question. It could have been any from the following eminant famililies around at that time: the Cross Family at Red Scar Mansion, the Blanchards at Grimsargh House, the Birchalls of Ribbleton Hall, or perhaps Squire Anderton himself.
The Plough had many different uses in those days, one of which was to hold regular inquests. In the good old days, before the establishment of the Blackburn based Matthew Brown, Lion Brewery horses and drays used to pull from the yard as the Plough used to supply beer to hotels in Preston. The Plough and it's lush bowling green have witnessed many comings and goings of local tradesmen, the Rail-Road, farmers and a succession of 'mine hosts'. Like many village pubs it has helped to shape the social and cultural history of the village.