The Artichoke - The Green
The Artichoke -Mrs Robinson stands outside
The Artichoke has been known to sell beer supplied by Ind Coope, Taylor-Walker, Cannon, Clutterbuck. Sections of the pub were built in the 17th and 18th century and the earliest reference is 1756.
According to the Hertfordshire County Records 'notes and extracts from the Sessions Records of the St. Albans Division 1770 to 1840 Volume IV it was recorded in the Midsummer Sessions 1819 that ' Rules and regulations of a society of good fellowship to be established at "the Artichoke", at Croxley Green, in the parish of Rickmersworth' (Draft Sessions Book VII/145.
This reference could be relating to the 'Commoners' when they were first established for Croxley Green. It was known they held their meetings at The Artichoke.
(Between 1879 and 1919 some thirty-six commons in England and Wales
were regulated under the 1876 Commons Act (39 & 40 Vict., c.56), from semi urban commons and popular beauty spots to vast upland wastes stretching
over thousands of acres. )
In the Watford Observer on 6th March 1886 the following article appeared.
An important meeting of the commoners was held at the Artichoke Inn on Friday week, to consider the best means of disposing of the compensation money paid by the Metropolitan District Railway Company, amounting to £246 16s 4d., and to consider other business. The meeting was fully attended by commoners, and included Mr. H. C. Finch, Mr. W. R. Woolrych, Mr. Lewis Evans, Mr. Barlow, Mr. R. B. Day, Mr. Harvey W Fellows, Mr. Wake -Walker (solicitor to Mr. A. Clutterbuck) Mr. John White, Mr. George Stone, Mr. Austin, Mr. Cudworth, Mr. W Rance, Mr Gurney, and many others.
Mr W R Woolrych was elected chairman. It was unanimously resolved that the consent of the commoners should be given to the proposed exchange of seven acres of land part of the Moor, for10a 1r 26p of land purchased by Messrs. Dickinson and Co of Croxley Mill, and intended to be transferred to the commoners. It was further unanimously resolved that inasmuch as the rights of the commoners, and included a right of pasturage over Croxley Common (26 acres)and Croxley Common Moor (82 acres),together with a valuable fishery in the Gade. (Cashio Chain Bridge to Gad's Pool), have, from lapse of time and division of land, become badly defined and not fairly “stinted”, nor sufficiently maintained, that a portion of the fund £246 16s 4d should be applied to satisfy the cost of fully investigating the particular rights of the commoners, and also that the provisions of the Commons Act, 39 40 Vict., ch. 56, and especially Section 3 , which relates to the “Regulation of Common” and includes adjustment of rights and improvement, should be applied to these commons with the sanction (which has been obtained) of the Master and Fellows of Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, Lords of the Manor, Mr. Fallows was desired to set on behalf of the commoners. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to the Chairman, proposed by Mr Austin and seconded by Mr White'.
The Artichoke also held regular auctions conducted by auctioneers including Sedgewick & Sons and Mr Thomas Lavender surveyor and auctioneer of Watford. The lots were varied from selling farming stock, belonging to Hollowtree Farm in 1865 including 4 cart horses 21 short horn cows/ heifers and 129 sheep. Also to be sold was a large variety of farming related equipment. (This is roughly the time the land was sold eventually creating Croxley Green New Road. )
Beech wood from nearby Copthorne Woods, March 1869 was another example that was auctioned.
According to the Hertfordshire County Records 'notes and extracts from the Sessions Records of the St. Albans Division 1770 to 1840 Volume IV it was recorded in the Midsummer Sessions 1819 that ' Rules and regulations of a society of good fellowship to be established at "the Artichoke", at Croxley Green, in the parish of Rickmersworth' (Draft Sessions Book VII/145.
This reference could be relating to the 'Commoners' when they were first established for Croxley Green. It was known they held their meetings at The Artichoke.
(Between 1879 and 1919 some thirty-six commons in England and Wales
were regulated under the 1876 Commons Act (39 & 40 Vict., c.56), from semi urban commons and popular beauty spots to vast upland wastes stretching
over thousands of acres. )
In the Watford Observer on 6th March 1886 the following article appeared.
An important meeting of the commoners was held at the Artichoke Inn on Friday week, to consider the best means of disposing of the compensation money paid by the Metropolitan District Railway Company, amounting to £246 16s 4d., and to consider other business. The meeting was fully attended by commoners, and included Mr. H. C. Finch, Mr. W. R. Woolrych, Mr. Lewis Evans, Mr. Barlow, Mr. R. B. Day, Mr. Harvey W Fellows, Mr. Wake -Walker (solicitor to Mr. A. Clutterbuck) Mr. John White, Mr. George Stone, Mr. Austin, Mr. Cudworth, Mr. W Rance, Mr Gurney, and many others.
Mr W R Woolrych was elected chairman. It was unanimously resolved that the consent of the commoners should be given to the proposed exchange of seven acres of land part of the Moor, for10a 1r 26p of land purchased by Messrs. Dickinson and Co of Croxley Mill, and intended to be transferred to the commoners. It was further unanimously resolved that inasmuch as the rights of the commoners, and included a right of pasturage over Croxley Common (26 acres)and Croxley Common Moor (82 acres),together with a valuable fishery in the Gade. (Cashio Chain Bridge to Gad's Pool), have, from lapse of time and division of land, become badly defined and not fairly “stinted”, nor sufficiently maintained, that a portion of the fund £246 16s 4d should be applied to satisfy the cost of fully investigating the particular rights of the commoners, and also that the provisions of the Commons Act, 39 40 Vict., ch. 56, and especially Section 3 , which relates to the “Regulation of Common” and includes adjustment of rights and improvement, should be applied to these commons with the sanction (which has been obtained) of the Master and Fellows of Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, Lords of the Manor, Mr. Fallows was desired to set on behalf of the commoners. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to the Chairman, proposed by Mr Austin and seconded by Mr White'.
The Artichoke also held regular auctions conducted by auctioneers including Sedgewick & Sons and Mr Thomas Lavender surveyor and auctioneer of Watford. The lots were varied from selling farming stock, belonging to Hollowtree Farm in 1865 including 4 cart horses 21 short horn cows/ heifers and 129 sheep. Also to be sold was a large variety of farming related equipment. (This is roughly the time the land was sold eventually creating Croxley Green New Road. )
Beech wood from nearby Copthorne Woods, March 1869 was another example that was auctioned.
(© loaned by David Loose) The Artichoke c1904
As well as the Coach and Horses, The Artichoke also attracted families when Mr Stone's orchard on the opposite side of The Green was abundant with ripe cherries. Past residents recall as small children in June/July they would sit with their parents during this time and enjoy the cherries whilst father enjoyed his glass of beer.
This event was usually on a Sunday as the working week was normally six days with Sunday being the "day of rest" These days were called 'Cherry Sundays'
Residents also remember there being a very 'talkative' bird in a cage at the pub and on the West Herts Post and Watford Observer's newsletter page 4, publication date 03/02/1944 carried an article of this and a photograph of 'Polly the parrot at the Artichoke pub by Mr H J Mayo. The current website can be viewed here www.artichokeonthegreen.co.uk
This event was usually on a Sunday as the working week was normally six days with Sunday being the "day of rest" These days were called 'Cherry Sundays'
Residents also remember there being a very 'talkative' bird in a cage at the pub and on the West Herts Post and Watford Observer's newsletter page 4, publication date 03/02/1944 carried an article of this and a photograph of 'Polly the parrot at the Artichoke pub by Mr H J Mayo. The current website can be viewed here www.artichokeonthegreen.co.uk
The Artichoke public house c1918
This tranquil scene c1918 showing The Artichoke public house is typical of how villagers enjoyed just sitting and enjoying their 'local green'
The signs outside the pub advertise the Bass Brewery as well as teas also available.
The Robinson family were publicans for many years. The attractive tree standing outside with its friendly seat encompassed the trunk. Older residents remember a blacksmith's shed next door and to the left of the pub the house has been replaced by more modern dwellings. An important missing feature of the scene is the war memorial as this was not erected until the following year.
The signs outside the pub advertise the Bass Brewery as well as teas also available.
The Robinson family were publicans for many years. The attractive tree standing outside with its friendly seat encompassed the trunk. Older residents remember a blacksmith's shed next door and to the left of the pub the house has been replaced by more modern dwellings. An important missing feature of the scene is the war memorial as this was not erected until the following year.
The Artichoke
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The Artichoke c1996
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The Artichoke sign c1996
The Artichoke has since been one of the venues regularly visited by the Mummers troupe since it
was re- established in December 1994 by a group of local residents (see Mummers page)
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The building has under gone changes, external as well as internal in recent years and in part has restaurant facilities. (2015)
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The Artichoke has since been one of the venues regularly visited by the Mummers troupe since it was re- established in December 1994 by a group of local residents (see Mummers page)
The building has under gone changes, external as well as internal in recent years and in part has restaurant facilities. (2015)
The building has under gone changes, external as well as internal in recent years and in part has restaurant facilities. (2015)
© National Archives - L/15/00003139K
1881 census
Charlotte Gurney - 58 years born Croxley Green Licensed Victualler widow
Austin James Gurney - 26 years son born Kings Langley Assistant
Sarah Elizabeth Rance - 21 years niece born St Pancras Middx Assistant
Annette Rance - 14 years niece born St Pancras Middx Assistant
Charlotte Gurney - 58 years born Croxley Green Licensed Victualler widow
Austin James Gurney - 26 years son born Kings Langley Assistant
Sarah Elizabeth Rance - 21 years niece born St Pancras Middx Assistant
Annette Rance - 14 years niece born St Pancras Middx Assistant
© National Archives - L/15/00003139K
1891 census
Peter Robinson - 52 years born Rickmansworth Publican
Ann Robinson - 54 years wife born Rickmansworth
Jane Robinson - 24 years daughter born Rickmansworth
Ada Robinson - 21 years daughter born Rickmansworth
Peter Robinson - 19 years son born Rickmansworth Farmer
Peter Robinson - 52 years born Rickmansworth Publican
Ann Robinson - 54 years wife born Rickmansworth
Jane Robinson - 24 years daughter born Rickmansworth
Ada Robinson - 21 years daughter born Rickmansworth
Peter Robinson - 19 years son born Rickmansworth Farmer
© National Archives - L/15/00003139K
1901 census
Peter Robinson 29yrs born Croxley Green Licensed Victualler
Edith Robinson 27 yrs wife born Sandy Beds
Stanley Robinson 4 yrs son Croxley Green
Edith Robinson 2 yrs daughter Croxley Green
Peter Robinson 29yrs born Croxley Green Licensed Victualler
Edith Robinson 27 yrs wife born Sandy Beds
Stanley Robinson 4 yrs son Croxley Green
Edith Robinson 2 yrs daughter Croxley Green
© National Archives - L/15/00003139K
1911 census
Edith Christianna Robinson 37 yrs widow born Sandy Beds Licensed Victualler
Mary Jane Breed 45 yrs sister born Bovingdon Herts Assistant in business
Stanley Peter Robinson 14 yrs son Croxley Green Gardener
Edith Robinson 12 yrs daughter Croxley Green
Gladys May Robinson 9 yrs daughter Croxley Green
Edith Christianna Robinson 37 yrs widow born Sandy Beds Licensed Victualler
Mary Jane Breed 45 yrs sister born Bovingdon Herts Assistant in business
Stanley Peter Robinson 14 yrs son Croxley Green Gardener
Edith Robinson 12 yrs daughter Croxley Green
Gladys May Robinson 9 yrs daughter Croxley Green
(© National Archives - IL-1491)
1921 census
William Watson - Head - b1862 age 59 - Rickmansworth - Publican
Florence Watson - Wife - b1864 age 56 - Home Duties
Mabel Watson - Daughter - b1891 age 29 - Stratford, Essex - Home Duties
May Watson - Daughter - b1895 age 26 - Hampshire - Home Duties
Vida Watson - Daughter - b1900 age 21 - Isle of Wight - Home Duties
Arthur Watson - Son - b1902 age 19 - Isle of Wight - ClerkThe British Farmers Agency New Bridge St, London
Isabella Watson - Mother - b1828 age93 - Herefordshire
William Watson - Head - b1862 age 59 - Rickmansworth - Publican
Florence Watson - Wife - b1864 age 56 - Home Duties
Mabel Watson - Daughter - b1891 age 29 - Stratford, Essex - Home Duties
May Watson - Daughter - b1895 age 26 - Hampshire - Home Duties
Vida Watson - Daughter - b1900 age 21 - Isle of Wight - Home Duties
Arthur Watson - Son - b1902 age 19 - Isle of Wight - ClerkThe British Farmers Agency New Bridge St, London
Isabella Watson - Mother - b1828 age93 - Herefordshire
A copy of a newspaper cutting from the Watford Observer Saturday 18th December 1870 advertising an auction at The Artichoke on 28th December 1870
(© Watford Observer) 18th December 1870
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An easier to read transcript is belowSALE BY AUCTION
------- RICKMERSWORTH ------- A Valuable Freehold Estate, Tithe Free and Land Tax Redeemed AT CROXLEY GREEN. IMMEDIATELY OPPOSITE THE NEW CHURCH. ------- To be sold by auction by, LAVENDER & SON. At the Artichoke, Croxley Green, on Wednes- day, December 28th, 1870 at 2 o’clock. (by direction of the Trustees under the Will of the late Mr. Thomas Ansell). THE PROPERTY comprises a detached COTTAGE DWELLING, brick, stuccoed and tiled, having an entrance porch with sitting- room, kitchen back-room, and two bedrooms; capital garden with well of water; a small farm yard, in which is a timber and tiled barn with folding doors, and stable for two horses; also a Piece of Orchard Ground at the back with a frontage to Croxley Green of 90 feet and con- taining altogether two roods and two poles, more or less. N.B. – The purchaser can have the timber by paying £7 besides the amount of his purchase money, but he must signify to the auctioneers his intention to take it immediately after the sale, as if he declines , the timber will be put up in one lot and sold. May be viewed by applying to the tenant on the premises, and particulars, with conditions of sale, may be had at the principal inns in the neighbourhood; at the place of sale; of William Rowell Esq. Solicitor, Rickmersworth; or of Mr. Lavender, the Colne Brewery, London Colney, St. Albans, Herts: and of Lavender and Son, auctioneers, estate agents and sur- veyors, 22. Bloomsbury-street, W.C. and Wat- ford. Herts. |
