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The Chequers History & Swinford

The origin of the name Chequers has several possibilities. Some say there is a connection between the rare Chequers or Wild Serbis tree, a native forest tree bearing edible berries from which a strong beverage may be brewed. Some believe this oldest of English trees was so called because its bark resembles a Chequer Board – possible, but the pub connection goes much deeper and further back in time….The Egyptians drank beer and used the Chequerboard sign – the sign of Ossaris, one of their gods, to denote a tavern – a place where one could get a drink. This in turn was taken up by the Romans, and so in the days before people could read, a Chequered sign, even if the pub was called The White Horse, meant that it was a pub, a similar idea to the barbers pole of later years. We have many more village pictures on show at the Chequers which you can view.

 

Refusing to Quit

Gilbert Orton, wheelwright, Swinford was charged with refusing to quit the Chequers Inn Swinford, and being drunk and disorderly. Complainent (G. Langham) stated he had before had occasion to warn defendant about his bad language, and on the afternoon of 25th it was so bad he had to order him out. He refused to go, and the police were sent for. P.C. Barnett stated that he found defendant sitting in the tap room and as he refused to go he was ejected.- Fined 15s, and 12s 6d. costs.

Leicester Chronicle Dec 8th 1900

 

Fatal Accident

On Monday an inquest was held at the Chequers Inn, Swinford, before the Coroner Mr Harrisonn, touching on the death of John Chamberlain, aged 67, a carpenter in the employ of Lord Braye, of Stanford Hall, and residing at Swinford. It appeared that on Friday morning deceased was in Stanford Park during the prevalence of the storm. Two other men were there and saw a tree blown down, but they heard no cry, and did not go near the fallen timber. On Saturday they heard that deceased had not been home during the night, andon search being made for him he was found lying dead under the tree. Mr. Fagge, http://xanaxonlinebuy.com surgeon of Lutterworth, was sent for, and on examining the body found that the back was injured. He was of the opinion that death was instantaneous, and caused by the tree falling on the deceased. – Jury returned accidental death.

Leicester Chronicle Oct 22nd 1881

Petty Sessions

Thursday August 27th 1857.- Before Revs. J. P. Marriott and E. Elmhurst. Charles Morton, butcher, of Swinford was charged by Thomas Strange Norton, farmer and grazier of Yelvertoft, with assaulting him at Swinford, on August 24th. This was a quarrel between two respectable tenants of Lord Bray’s, who had met at the rent paying at the Chequers Inn, Swinford. It appeared that the complainant had been struck by defendant, but under such aggravating circumstances that the Bench, after a very patient hearing of several respectable witnesses, dismissed the case, ordering complainant to pay £2 costs.

Leicester Mercury Aug 29th 1857

Menus

Our menu contains traditional British Pub Food such as pies, steaks & fish dishes, as well as pizza and a selection of curries. There is also a lighter bite menu for those with less appetite.

Marquee & Functions

Our beautifully decorated and furnished marquee is suitable to hire for functions, such as wedding, christenings, birthday parties & other events for up to one hundred guests.

Bar & Garden

The Chequers caters for all ages and possesses a large garden with a variety of children’s play equipment and toddler facilities. We also serve a range of lagers, draft ales and fine wines.