Jogging memory

This week featured 80-yearold Tom Morris who drew his last pint at The Masons Arms in Winchester Street 50 years ago.

His grandson, William, was a teenage pal of mine who went on to join the police force.

Many years ago there were a great number of public houses and inns in Andover.

A lot of whose very names originated from various trades and professions.

In 1757, the owner, a Richard Leversuch, was a stonemason and it is highly probable that he gave The Masons Arms its name.

Coincidentally with this strong trade link in its title it was the first meeting place for the Andover Trades Council.

Members of the council assembled in a spooky back room that was dimly lit by two smoky old oil lamps.

Among other things their discussions most certainly covered matters concerning the working class man of Andover and district.

I remember The Masons Arms well with its cavernous coaching archway and next door was the friendly grocers run by Archie “I’m Much Obliged” Morris and his brother.

Interestingly just like Bridge Street which was first known as Duck Street before the bridge was built, Winchester Street was firstly known as Brick-kiln Street.

This ancient street owed its original name to the several brickworks that were situated to the south of Andover at the time, most notably in close proximity to the Peat Spade public house, where no doubt the brickwork employees gained sustenance and much needed refreshment.

John Porter, Millway Road, Andover