The Half Moon Pub, located in Half Moon Lane, Salvington, had been a challenging building to find. My original suspicions proved to be incorrect, but thanks to a discovery by Colin Walton, fellow researcher, who discovered this rare picture postcard in a collection belonging to a relative, its position and place in history have been assured. The postcard shows The Half Moon shortly after it closed as a Public House.

The main building at this time had two distinct functions, one as Salvington Laundry, left side, and as a Tea room on the right. The puddle on the right is part of a large pond. The original pond was a half-moon shape and very possibly gave its name to the pub and lane.

It would appear a strange place to build a pub, perhaps. However, further investigation reveals that at the time, the only way down to Worthing was via Broadwater, or Half Moon Lane to Tarring Village via roads that were little more than wide dirt tracks.

As time passed and better roads developed with the arrival of motorised transport, it was inevitable that a more direct route would carry the masses. This resulted in the isolation of smaller villages, and the population of Salvington alone couldn't support its three pubs.

This image on the right captures the pond itself with two people passing by.  Just out of shot, stood the Half Moon Pub, Its tall sigh post barely visible.

Jack Watts, authoer of 'Old Worthing as a remember it - 1906 to 1920 wrote:

"While in Salvington to the north of the John Selden public house stood another, the half moon, with its pond opposite - very useful for skating. This is now a private residence"

A picture kindly donated by Deborah O'Boyle taken around 2000. Deborah is distantly related to the Linberry family, the first landlords of the Half Moon.

Ellen Linberry ran the pub and tea room while her husband George worked as an agricultural labourer and mill loader. George died in 1877 and Ellen carried on the business.

Ellen's father, Richard West and her brother, also a Richard, were wheelwrights, one of whom later became the landlord of the pub.

The landlord list below shows a different order of ownership but details are often sketchy - more research needed.

Just when you think you've discovered all that there is, something else pops up.

Alan Pierre is the great great-great-grandson of Alexander Pierre, the landlord of the Half Moon, and sent in the picture on the left of the building operating as a pub.

We would like to imagine the white shirted gentleman in the waistcoat is Alexander himself. He ran the business with his wife, Mary, and had five children. Alexander and his wife are buried in Broadwater Cemetery.

The sign on the building states: Lambert & Norris Celebrated Arundel Ales & Stout.

 Time Line

 A little bit extra

1838 - Richard Parker
1855 - Richard Linberry
1871 - 1877 George Linberry
1881 - Ellen Linberry (Widow)
1891 - James Thair - Publican
1901 - Alexander Pierre