The Two Chimneys Public House, Stotfold

Information taken from Stotfold Pubs and Publicans by Bert Hyde.

The Two Chimneys opened in 1848 and traded under the name Hit or Miss. In around 1870 it changed its name to Two Chimneys when two tall chimneys were buily just across the fields at Arlesey cement works. In 1886 a fire occurred on the premises, resulting in the cart shed and pig sty being burnt down. In 1903 Simpsons Brewers bought the pub from Fordham’s who had been the brewers up till that point. In that same year Letchworth Garden City was founded, this was a “dry” town, so no pubs were allowed therefore drinkers came to nearby chimneys. In 1960 a part of Stotfold village was transferred over to Letchworth including the Two Chimneys and the Wilbury Hotel. The Two Chimneys is still open as of 2024.

Licensees: note that this is not a complete list and that dates in italics are not necessarily beginning or end dates, merely the first/last date which can be confirmed from sources such as directories and deeds.

Licensees:

• 1851 – William Albone
• 1861 – William Warren
• 1871 - 1882 – Henry Godber
• 1884 – Thomas Plampin
• 1891 – John Smith
• 1910 – James Stapleton
• 1924 – Alfred Abbott
• 1931 - 1940 – Arthur Day
• 1940 - 1965 – Jack Woods