Probably the most well-known pub in the area and certainly one of the oldest. Thought to have been established in 1610 and run by Moses Brian, it was originally called The White Horse, before becoming the George & Dragon in 1855.

The pub has a smuggling history, something that was once rife in the area. It might be surprising, but most of the smuggling was actually the export of wool, the import of alcohol was a bonus, no one wants to come back empty handed.

In 1909 Alfred Norris was approached by Tamplin's Brewery about taking over the running of the 'George & Dragon', Alfred already runs the Castle pub but agrees and manages both with the help of his wife Emily and daughter Dorothy. He closed the Castle in 1911.

His son, Alfred Charles Norris, (yes, two Albert's) has no interest in taking over the pub, so Dorothy who has just married Albert Stanford later takes over the running of the pub. Records show Stanford ran it from 1938 to 1947 (his death). He had been in poor health since he married Dorothy and it was really her, with the help of Gladys Norris (sister) and Alfred (brother)  who ran the business. Dorothy continues until the mid 1950s. After that it left the family. (Info thanks to R Norris - descendant)

Picture right: Undated but restored. The sign reads: Tamplin's Ales, From the wood. Wines & Spirits. Although the picture makes the building look a little dull, it was probably painted a bright red.

Often commented upon is the classic swing sign outside. Unusually it is pointing up rather that hanging down. It is claimed it was put in this position to allow a doube-decker bus to pass underneath.

Note also that the men's toilet is outside. I should add, its still the men's toilet, but the door was moved inside.

Gary and Jean Bird, landlords of the George and Dragon were mentioned in the local press for their award winning pub garden, complete with fish pond.

Jean started the pub garden in 1988 as a growing passion and won first prize of a holiday in Portugal in the Phoenix Brewery's area competition.

Jean stated that "Gary really isn't very keen on gardening but he's very proud of our award winning site". She added "It's not a case of trying to win a prize, I find gardening very relaxing - after a lunchtime session".

Just in case you're standing outside and look up you might just notice this plaque, it's an insurance mark. It shows that the building was insured in case it caught fire.

To ensure prompt action by the local volunteer fire service, any building displaying such a mark would get special attention and no doubt the crew would receive some monetary recompense for their efforts.

Thankfully for those living next door to such a building would receive similar attention to stop it spreading to the one that's actually insured. The sign belonged to the Sun Fire Office and dates back to the 1700s. It is now part of the Sun Alliance.

The 'George', or 'G&D' as it is known locally, is a bit of a time capsule, where original brick and flint walls can be seen inside. The different floor levels remind you that it has expanded over many years, and dark wooden beams abound about the place. Many of these are later replacements, but originals can still be spotted.

On entering the pub, you are greeted by the singular long bar with a recessed left-hand section used for bands and singers. The right-hand side back room serves as a diner, these also a cosy corner tucked away.

A back door leads out to a long multi-level garden complete with fish pond and seating.

 Time Line

1610 - Brian Moses - Mansion House and stables
1636 - 1658 William Fletcher ( as the White Horse)
1729 - Thomas Clear
1781 - William Grevatt
1789 - William Bartley & John Hide
1806 - John Hide & John Hughes (Brewer)
1814 - John Hughes & Nathaniel Hall
1828 - Nathaniel Hall & Richard Tamplin
1855 - 1866 Charles Winton - Inn keeper & butcher
1878 - Mark Hide (son-in-law of Charles Winton)
1878 - Now George & Dragon
1890 - Alfred Richardson
1892 - William Luther
1905 - W H Lucas
1909 - Alfred C Norris
1932 - Emily Norris
1938 - 1947 Albert Stanford
1947 - 1950s Dorothy Stanford
1974 - Richard Goodchild
1989 - Gary and Jean Bird
2009 - 2018 - Michael Shiel