By Roger Packham and Peter Connelly
The White Lion originally had a timber-framed weatherboarded section on the right-hand side, however this was replaced in the late 19th century with the current building; originally with large windows running along the ground floor and plain render at the top, this was later remodelled in the mock-Tudor style as shown in this photo dating from the 1930’s. Also shown on the left of the photo is one of a line of large trees that used to run along the front of the pub, sadly all gone now with the last removed in 1978.
Inside, the pub has undergone many refurbishments over the years, however the large inglenook fireplace shown in this picture of the early 20th century remains largely unchanged.
Next door is the Horseshoe pub. According to Vestry records, George Brooks, later to be village grocer and postmaster, set up his new licensed beer house known as the Horseshoe in 1847. The early 20th century photo above shows what the pub originally looked like, set back from the road, with a carriage yard and a row of late 17th century cottages to the right.
This early 20th century picture shows the Surrey Hunt meeting outside the pub.
Today, the Horseshoe looks very different, the original building and old cottages were completely demolished in 1937, the new much larger Horseshoe building is now much closer to the road, and extends along to Mint Walk, with a large car park to the rear.