History of The Wheatsheaf

The Wheatsheaf started life as a Coaching Inn at the end of the 17th Century / early 18th Century in the beautiful market town of Towcester. It has had a colourful history.

In 1713, John Hickinson was caught in bed at the Wheatsheaf with Anne, the wife of John Basely, an innkeeper from Old Stratford. This was witnessed by servant Mary Wisdom from the Woolpack, leading to Hickinson being charged with adultery at Peterborough Crown Court.

In 1784, innkeeper Benjamin Rollings offered a reward of one guinea for the return of his heifer, which had a broken horn and was stolen.

In 1813, John Guerney launched a new coaching service. Starting August 1, 1813, an elegant light coach called the “Princess of Wales” began running from the Wheatsheaf Inn in Towcester to the Three Cups Inn, Aldersgate, London. It was scheduled to leave Towcester every Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7 a.m., stopping at The Bull Inn in Stony Stratford at 8 a.m., and arriving in London by dinner. Unfortunately, this venture was unsuccessful, and by January 1815, a nearly new stagecoach and 21 well-seasoned horses were sold at auction at the Wheatsheaf. …read more