Our History
The Crown Inn is situated in the small village of Wrinehill, next to the picturesque village of Betley. Betley was once an important market town and was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Originally named Wrine Hill, it was a scattered village partly in the parish of Betley but mostly in that of Wybunbury. Until the boundary changes of 1964 much of Wrinehill, including its post office and the two public houses, was part of the Cheshire township of Checkley-cum-Wrinehill in the parish of Wybunbury.
A map from 1891 shows the location of ‘The Crown Inn’.
This view shows Wrinehill Methodist Chapel and note the pair of thatched cottages and The Crown Inn. The children, going to the well for water, are standing at the corner of Den Lane and New Road.
Originally known as The Queen’s Head, the census of 1778 records James Grocott as the licensed ale seller of Checkley-cum-Wrinehill and at some point between 1828 and 1850, the current name of The Crown Inn was given to this public house. An easy way to indicate your support for the reigning monarch or local lord was to use a sign bearing their chosen symbol so by changing the pub’s name to The Crown, conveniently, support for the monarch was pledged without having to change the name with each occupant of the throne!
The area has always been well served with inns. In 1851, there were eight in total; The Bluebell, The Lord Nelson and The Crown at Wrinehill, along with The Black Horse, The Hand and Trumpet, The Red Lion and The Three Anchors in Betley. The inns during these years had a dual purpose, either as farmhouses or places where in addition to selling ale some other industry or business was carried on. Of these eight, only three still remain today, The Crown Inn, The Hand and Trumpet and The Swan. They all complement the parish perfectly and although lots may have changed since the 18th century, the joy of visiting your local pub for a warm welcome still holds much appeal.
Even back in 1851, The Crown Inn, a coaching inn, was kept by James Dean along with his wife, three daughters and a son. We’re pleased to say that ‘The Crown’ has prospered as a drinking hostelry ever since. It has changed hands many times over the years but was purchased by the Davenhill family in the 1970’s from Bass brewery. Significant alterations were made over the years but the traditional oak beams, large inglenook fire place and the open plan building remain today.
Before the sale of the pub to its current owners, Mark and Anna Condliffe; Charles Davenhill, was reputedly the longest serving licensee in Staffordshire. His daughter, Anna, and son-in-law Mark, uphold the family values that have made the business so popular and successful today. Their aim has always been to preserve the nostalgia and charm of ‘The Crown’ whilst embracing all the qualities that a 21st century country pub should demonstrate. The dedication of Mark, Anna and their loyal team ensure that the experience of visiting this freehouse is one to remember and they are all proud to play a part in the next chapter of the Crown’s rich history…
References:
‘Betley; A village of contrasts’, Robert Speake, 1980
‘Betley; in old picture postcards’, Robert Speake, 1984
‘William White’s History, Gazeteer & Directory of Staffordshire 1834 – 1851
Cheshire Record Office – 1851 and 1861 census for Checkley-cum-Wrinehill (107/2169 ff.392-401)