The Light Dragoon

The former Light Dragoon

Buildings gabled in the Dutch style are a feature throughout the Lincolnshire fens and many survive in Bourne, among them the commercial and residential property in Abbey Road that was formerly the Light Dragoon Inn.

The present property was built in 1904 although there was a public house with the same name on this site from the late 18th century. The landlord from 1808 was Joseph Thorpe who kept it for 36 years until he died on Friday 27th January 1844, aged 60, when he was succeeded by his son, John.

The pub closed in 1969 because of increasing competition from other licensed premises in the town and the last landlord was a former paratrooper Frank Allen who took over in 1959 and ran it for ten years.

The property remains a distinctive part of the street scene in Abbey Road although it is now used as a betting shop but the monogram of the last brewery which supplied the beer, Mitchell & Butlers, can still be seen in the coloured glass lights over the side door. In the 16th century, the gables were crow-stepped and not with sloping sides, and later these crow steps were separated by curves. The Dutch influence in Lincolnshire building styles arose from trading links over the centuries. 

FROM THE ARCHIVES

TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION by Mr W E Lawrence
At the Angel Hotel in Bourne aforesaid, on Saturday the 23rd January 1847 between the hours of 6 and 8 in the evening subject to such conditions of sale as will then be produced.
All that old-established and well accustomed inn or public house situate in the Star Lane in Bourne aforesaid, known by the sign of the Light Dragoon, with yard, brewhouse, outbuildings, and excellent garden attached, now in the occupation of Mr John Thorpe, the owner. Possession may be had at Lady Day and the purchaser accommodated (if required) with two-thirds of the purchase money, on security of the premises, at £4 per cent per annum. The property which is copyhold of the Manor of Bourne Abbots, may be viewed on application and for further particulars apply to G W Willders, solicitor. - public notice from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 15th January 1847.

REVISED MARCH 2014

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