Deanshanger Village Heritage Society

The Duke’s Head

The Duke's Head

It is thought that The Duke's Head was probably the oldest public house in Deanshanger. (Ref: Passenham: History of a Forest Village by O.F. Brown and G.I. Roberts)  Between 1682 and 1772, the premises were recorded as a farm, but in 1800, it was three cottages bought by Joseph Shimmell of Wicken, who was a victualler (a person licensed to sell alcohol).  Shimmel erected a new house on the site of two of the cottages and used it for his business as a victualler.  The house was known as “The Duke of Cumberland” and first appeared in the licensing records of 1820.

By 1834, the house was occupied by the Church Wardens and overseers of the poor of Passenham and used as a workhouse.  However, it ceased to be a workhouse when Union House (a workhouse) opened in Yardley Gobion in 1834.

Between 1889 and 1959 the name changed a number of times between “The Duke of Cumberland and “The Duke’s Head” and from the mid-1800s onwards, the pub and "the close adjoining it" were a regular venue for auctions.

In 1959, it was known again as “The Duke’s Head” and was sold to Phipps Northampton Brewery Company Ltd.

The Duke's Head is now a private home.

1837 – Advertisement for the letting of the pub.

 

On Saturday, 22nd January 1891, The Duke’s Head was advertised for sale in the Buckingham Express.  The sale was described as follows:

"All that convenient.  Free and Full licensed PUBLIC HOUSE, called or known by the sign of the ‘Duke of Cumberland’ or the ‘Duke’s Head’.  Advantageously situate (sic) for trade, in the populous and increasing village of Deanshanger, together with COTTAGE and GARDEN thereto adjoining, stabling, Wheelwright’s SHOP and premises, also a 10-quarter MALTHOUSE, Garden and Premises.  The Duke’s Head and premises are in the occupation of Mr. Ash, the cottage and Garden in the occupation of Mr. Coleman, the Malthouse is in hand.”

Cricket on The Green with the Duke's Head pub behind. The pub sign advertises ‘Hopcrafts Celebrated Brackley Ales & Stout’ and below are enamel signs advertising Liptons Teas. The photo was taken between 1914-1918.

the pub had an outbuilding to the rear.  Dancing took place in the outbuilding which also had a stage used for theatre.

Men outside The Duke's Head public house. Note the Espaliered fruit tree.  C1910.

The sign on the front of the pub advertises the Chesham and Brackley Brewery. This brewery was formed in 1946 when the Chesham Brewery Ltd. merged with Hopcraft & Norris Ltd. of Brackley. It was later acquired by Taylor, Walker & Co. Ltd. in 1956. Therefore, it could be assumed that this photo is dated between 1946 and 1956 as brewing ceased at Chesham 1957 and at Brackley in 1959 and The Duke’s Head” was sold to Phipps Northampton Brewery Company Ltd.

The Duke's Head today.  It is now a private residence.