The Wheatsheaf started as a coaching inn at the end of the 17th century or early 18th century and has a colorful 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.
In 1850, landlady Hannah Caves welcomed Batty’s Menagerie, which housed horses and elephants. During one of the shows, charlady Mrs. Payne, despite warnings, touched the cage of the leopards and was severely injured when one of the leopards attacked her. Her screams brought the keeper and others to her aid, who managed to free her with an iron bar and large sticks, but not before her arm was severely lacerated. She was taken to the surgery of Mr. Watkins and his assistant Mr. Peacock, and later transported to the Northampton infirmary, though her recovery remains unknown.
In May 1854, the Earl of Pomfret outlined specifications for renovations at the Wheatsheaf Inn, which included accommodations such as a room above the gateway, a front bedroom, stairs, a back bedroom, a front parlour, a best parlour, a lobby, a kitchen, an ale cellar, a brew house, a malt room, a wash house with its upper room, a stable, a wagon shed, a privy, and pig sties. Additionally, a urinal and two privies were to be constructed. The renovations were completed by John Wheeler at a cost of £235.
In 1913, Mr. James Peasnell, the landlord of the Wheatsheaf and a respected figure in Towcester, passed away. His obituary noted his long service as a licensed victualler and contributions to the local community, particularly in horse trading and the posting businesses. His involvement with both the Albion and Wheatsheaf pubs, as well as his role with the Towcester Constabulary and the Post Office, underscored his significance in the town’s history.
In 1950, Towcester police investigated a theft at the Wheatsheaf Inn. When landlord Mr. Harry Furniss and his wife came downstairs in the morning, they discovered their home had been broken into during the night.
Mrs. Mears reflected on her childhood spent at the pub, recalling the tragic passing of Uncle Harry and Auntie Flo’s son, Harold, who died in the room above the arch after returning home from the war due to meningitis. She remembered the living quarters in the cellar, surrounded by beer barrels, and how the brewery later built an extension that included a lovely living room. Her father used to help with the pigs and horses in the yard, and while part of her wished to visit again, she feared it would be too emotional. Nonetheless, she holds onto those memories.
Mr. and Mrs. Fox acquired the property in the early 1960s, initially starting with taxis before expanding into minibuses and coaches. Mrs. Fox passed away in 2018, while Mr. Fox had died 13 years prior. The coach business ceased operations in 1996.
In July 2019, Andrew and Gail Hayes purchased the property and began a significant renovation.