History of the Thatcher’s Arms, Mount Bures
To be exact, although Mount Bures is in the Lexden Hundred, ‘The Thatchers’ at Garners Tye is in the Hinckford Hundred and so is part of Bures Hamlet in the Parish of Bures St. Mary
This pub probably started as a Beer House, brewing its own beer, providing for the navvies who were building the Stour Valley Railway 1847-49. It obtained a full licence around 1869 and was known as The Thatches Public House, with Clarles Eley as the licensee. He was succeeded by Jeremiah Pettitt around 1877, then by Henry Bull in 1881 who was there until 1893. Sam Adcock followed and in turn he succeeded in 1909 by Charles Newcombe Warner. He stayed until the outbreak of the First World War, when Harry Jaggs took over. He was there 12 years before handing on to Cyril Cook around 1928. The outbreak of the Second World War in 1939 saw much activity on the Stour Valley Railway. Gun emplacements were built on the side of the cutting nearest to ‘The Thatcher’s’ which, had the German invaded the Essex Coast, would have been part of the first line of defence which roughly followed the railway lines stretching from Southend to the Wash.
The Germans did not come the Americans did…
In November 1943 three squadrons of Republic P47D Thunderbolts, part of 362 Fighter Group of the 9th United States Army Air Force, arrived at Wormingford. They were in action as bomber escorts, including attacks against Doodlebug launching sites in France. In April 1944, three Squadrons, numbers 377, 378 and 379, moved to Headcom in Kent to be succeeded by three squadrons of Lockheed P38J Lightnings from the 55th Fighter Group of the 8th USAAF. These squadron numbers were 38, 338 and 343. They were used as long-range fighter bombers for patrolling shipping in the English Channel.
During June 1944, the Lightning’s made way for North American P51D Mustangs. The Mustangs of the 55th, stationed at Wormingford, received two Distinguished Unit Citations and were involved in many operations amongst which, specifically, was fighter support for the St. Lo breakthrough, the airborne landing in Arnhem, the Ardennes offensive and the crossing of the Rhine near Wesel. Their final operative flight was 21st April 1945. The information on Wormingford Airfield history is partly from Michael Bowyer’s ‘Action Stations’.
During this time ‘The Thatchers’ was popular with American airmen. A memorial to those who did not come back is at Jenkins Farm in Wormingford. After the war, Cyril Cook continued until his daughter, Corrie Locke, took over with husband, Gerald. During the 1970’s they purchased ‘The Thatchers’ from Greene King Brewery, although the beer continued to be IPA and Abbot. At this time ‘The Thatchers’ became the headquarters of the Mount Bures Morris Men, with the level crossing gates as their logo.
Everyone in the area knew ‘The Thatchers’
Everyone in the area knew ‘The Thatchers’ and it was a sad day when Corrie decided to retire. At one of her leaving parties, 18 draymen from Greene King hired a minibus from Bury St Edmunds to come and say ’goodbye’.
After a short close-down period, Terry and Frances Martin of ‘The Swan’ at Chappel, re-opened ‘The Thatchers’ in time for the 1992 General Election. A series of managers followed, while Terry enlarged the premises to include dining-out and function areas. In November 2006, Terry leased ‘The Thatchers’ to Mitch Adams, ably supported by parents, Janet and Tony. Mitch is only the tenth full licensee since 1869, and regularly features at Real Ale Festivals.
Ian Stratford, April 1992 updated May 2010.
Local Attractions
Colchester Zoo
Colchester Zoo is a zoological garden situated in Colchester, England. The zoo opened in 1963 and celebrated its 50th anniversary on 2 June 2013. It is home to many rare and endangered species, including big cats, primates and birds as well as a large number of invertebrates and fish species.
Post code: CO3 0SL
East Anglian Railway Museum
The East Anglian Railway Museum is located at Chappel and Wakes Colne railway station in Essex, England, which is situated on the former Great Eastern Railway branch line from Marks Tey to Sudbury. Services on the Sudbury Branch Line are operated by Abellio Greater Anglia.
Post code: CO6 2DS
Colne Valley Railway
The Colne Valley Railway is a heritage railway based at Castle Hedingham Station, near Halstead in Essex, England. The railway consists of a 1 mile long running line, with a fully reconstructed station, signal box and railway yard.
Post code: CO9 3DZ
National Trust, Coggleshall Grange Barn
Grange Barn is a historic timber-framed building in Coggeshall, Essex, England. Grange Barn was built by the Cistercians in the 13th century to serve Coggeshall Abbey. It underwent significant structural alteration in the 14th century. It is Grade I listed.
Post code: CO6 1RE
Layer Marney Tower
Layer Marney Tower is a Tudor palace, composed of buildings, gardens and parkland, dating from 1520 situated in Layer Marney, Essex, England, between Colchester and Maldon. The building was designated Grade I listed in 1952.
Post code: CO5 9US
Marks Hall Gardens & Arboretum
Geographically themed landscaped gardens with an arboretum and lakes, plus wood walks and play area.
Post code: CO6 1TG
Joining us
If you like what you’ve seen so far and fancy trying your hand at being part of the team – get in touch at info@thatchersarms.co.uk with a copy of your CV, covering letter and which positions you’re apply for.
Previous experience is preferred, but all training will be provided for the jobs below, so if you’re up the task, get in touch now!
With the exciting opening of the Thatcher’s Arms – we’re recruiting for all levels:
- Front of House Team Members – experience isn’t always necessary (but it helps!) as we’ll teach you all you need to know, pouring pints and food service. As long as you’re outgoing, friendly and keen to muck in! We’re looking for interaction with customers, working as part of a team and good work ethic.
- Chefs & Kitchen Assistants – We require chefs and kitchen porters who can work flexible shifts, including weekdays, evenings and weekends – both part time & full time hours available at competitive rates of pay
- Cleaners – We’re looking for people who take pride in their work – preferably with experience. The role would include; sweeping, mopping & dusting. Polishing, toilet cleaning and other general cleaning tasks.
