Historic pub to open on Sundays for first time in 180 years

FOR the first time in 180 years a historic West Yorkshire pub will open on Sundays.

By The Newsroom Monday, 10th December 2012, 6:00 am

The Chequers Inn at Ledsham, South Milford, near Leeds, with a history dating back to 1540, banned the serving of ale on the “day of rest” after a woman was verbally assaulted on her way home from church almost 200 years ago.

She had been travelling past the pub in her carriage when a gang of drunken farm workers shouted abuse at her.

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It caused such an uproar at the time that the lady of the manor shut down the inn completely.

Service eventually resumed, but until now never on a Sunday.

Pub landlord Chris Wraith said: “This is a big step for us. We’ve been closed on a Sunday for such a long time it’s become a real tradition for us.

“We see so many walkers and families out in the area on a Sunday and we’re really pleased that we can now offer them a Sunday dining experience in Ledsham.”

Local legend has it that the lady of the manor still lays claim over the historic building.

She is said to haunt the pub bar, which is one of the original features of the watering hole.

But the landlord of 29 years is yet to meet her.

He said: “I have never seen her, but perhaps I’m not susceptible to these things.”

Asked why it has taken so long to resume service on a Sunday, Mr Wraith added: “I asked 25 years ago and the estate said no.

“Five years ago the privately owned estate was taken over by a charitable trust and now, thankfully, it seems they have altered their view .”

Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire – the region’s tourist board – said: “The Chequers Inn is one of the oldest pubs in the county, with one of the most intriguing histories of an inn of its kind.