Tuxford has a strong history of brewing and once held an annual hop fair. The Maltings on Eldon Street, which began operating in 1780, are now domestic dwellings. The Walks of Life Museum holds a collection of tools associated with the brewing trade, including a bobby barrel. While beer is readily available today, brewing was once very hard work, and during wartime many women were employed in the industry.
Research by the late Tuxford historian Eric Coddington explored the town’s many inns. From 1822, no fewer than 15 inns were listed in Tuxford, along with five beerhouses. The longest-running recorded establishment is the Fountain, listed in 1822 and still operating today, along with the Sun Inn and the Working Men’s Club, founded in 1925. The Newcastle Arms, now home to the Museum of the Horse, is recorded in 1822 but was active well before that date.
An empty building on Eldon Street, last known as the Vault and later becoming the Bluebell, was recorded in 1822 and served as the carriers’ inn, where waggoners stopped with their wagons and horses. Nineteenth-century beer bottles were discovered when the loft was restored. Other listed establishments included the Black Horse, the Star, the Coach and Horses, King William IV at Mill Hill, the New Inn, the Fox, the Royal Sherwood, the Commercial Hotel and the Mail Hotel.
Anyone with old photographs or memories of landlords or time spent in Tuxford’s inns is invited to share them. Many people experienced life-changing moments and celebrations in these establishments, and stories of everyday life will be a theme in this year’s museum events.
Events
Saturday 14th February, 11.00am to 4.00pm, Walks of Life Museum
Stories from the storytelling competition will be shared, with an opportunity to explore books from the museum collection and learn about a long-gone Tuxford resident called Valentine. Tea and cakes will be available.
Saturday 14th March, 11.00am to 3.30pm
A celebration of model railways, with the chance to experience layouts, drive Lego locomotives and try to solve shunting puzzles.
Museum opening times and contact details
Museum of the Horse
- Open Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4.00pm, and Saturday, 9.30am to 1.30pm
- Telephone 01777 838234
Email curator@museumofthehorse.co.uk
Walks of Life Museum
Open Thursday and Saturday, 11.00am to 4.00pm, with other dates available by prior arrangement
- Telephone 01777 872776
- Email dianehunt08@btinternet.com
Group visits are welcome at both museums.