Hidden Henley

THE unusually named pub The Horns is in the rural village of Cockpole Green.

Its name may date back to when this area was in the manor of Windsor Forest and was established to offer huntsmen refreshments.

Originally a beer house, the Brakspear pub has a Tudor-style timber frame and small windows. But I wonder how old the set of horns on the front of the building are. The sign evidently used to be suspended from a tree.

It’s said that when Frank Burroughes tried to take on the tenancy on the retirement of his parents after the First World War, he found that he had to be married in order to qualify. Evidently, he did manage to become a husband and ran the pub with his wife for 30 years.

This business used to have extensive grounds and a meadow but just after the Second World War these were sold to Wokingham Rural District Council for building council houses.

I believe Brakspear is seeking new tenants to breathe fresh life into the old place.