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The exact date is not clear when the original Coaching
Inn was built on the site to feed and water traders, travellers and the small village that Crowborough was at the time.
Stabling
facilities attracted travellers for an overnight stay on their way to their destination. Horses were fed, watered and
rested while their guardians ate and drank strong local ales.
In the 1990's a house was built on the area which was
once the stables and to this day the odour of damp straw amongst other things can still be detected.
In 1876 with the
railway line being built through Crowborough, the village began to grow as did the Plough & Horses
Crowborough at this time had a large gypsy contingent on an area which is now a modern housing development.
The now tarmaced road between the camp and the Plough & Horses was then a dirt track which the camp's residents found
perfect for racing horses down. Once they had proved they had a good horse it would be paraded through the bar in the inn,
in order to secure a good price.
The Newton family acquired the Plough & Horses at the beginning of the 1980's. It was a public
house with few redeeming features and even fewer customers. David will share a story with you that when he approached the
bank to finance the business he was asked what is the weekly turnover to which he replied about three. It wasn't until years
later the bank manger informed him that he thought the turnover was three thousand and if he had realised he meant
three hundred he would never have give him the money. They did get the money and have turned the Plough & Horses into
a wonderful place for local residents and visitors alike.
Through many years of renovation and rebuilding the Plough & Horses has become a very impressive building. Boasting two
bar areas, various areas for dining or drinking, including a restaurant catering for up to one hundred covers and fifteen
en-suite letting rooms with all the expected facilities.
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