History Matters : The White Hart

The White Hart survives the fire of 1729

William Newman held a licence for the White Hart in 1753 and records show that a William Newman held a licence back in the 1733 which links him still to the White Hart. He was married to Mary and the mark above the door ‘1708 W.M’ could be in recognition of this couple.  The P above spoils the thought, but I still like to feel that this is a mark of his time here.

Whilst it is well known that this building was one of the few which escaped the devastating fire of Monday 2^nd June 1729, records show that William Newman did actually lose an outhouse on the site confirming that the fire came very close to the White Hart.

The fire started at the house of one Elizabeth Gould on Monday 2^nd June 1729 at 8pm and it is stated “which by reason of the dry season soon got to a great head and spread with such … that in a short space of time burned down and consumed Sixty Two dwelling houses in the principal and most leading part of the said Towne together with a large Market House & the Barns Stables Outhouses”. It also states that “ninety six other poor suffered”.

This information comes from a Petition raised by men of good standing on 15th July 1729 who were not affected and they included a list of 90 claims who lost goods to the value of £2372.12s.8d.  A further claim was made for the 50 houses that burned, of which 16 houses were situated in The Row. The total property value amounted to £4415:2s:1d.  The whole loss was calculated at £6787:14s:9d.  Names of families listed are still to be found in the town today and include Belbin, Sheppard, Clarke, Rose, Rowland and Newman.

This petition recorded in the Quarter Session held at Shaston (Shaftesbury) sought financial support from the Lord Chancellor of Great Britain, Peter King, Baron of Oakham. Further research is needed to determine if this financial support was ever received, but the town did survive following this fateful fire as proved by the rebuilding of the Swan Inn owned by the most affluent, Mr Farr, who suffered the highest loss of £1018:15s:0d.

Today Matt Clark is the new welcomed landlord of the White Hart Alehouse, bringing life to this loved and ancient building which is a delightful sight to visitors as they enter the historic central point to our town.

Further information about the White Hart can be found on  https://www.facebook.com/pages/White-Hart/603431039725434

Jacqui Wragg