THE ghosts of the countless landlords of The George Inn will be awakened and stirred if and when the new plans are passed.

The spectre of many a mine host down through the years will be heard roaming the creaky corridors especially at closing time. Also, to be heard will be some of the ‘characters’ that have ‘graced’ the pub over the past 500 years.

The building, which was originally built way back in 1312 as a large family home, became an inn around about 1586 and the first landlord was a gentleman by the name of Paul Dunford.

At the time, along with The White Hart, The George was acknowledged as the premier drinking establishment in the centre of olde Andover.

Interestingly, around this time a resident by the name of Alexander Twitchin lived in the property.

He happened to be the first headmaster of the newly established Andover Grammar School and reigned over the school for 30 years (1581-1611).

The summer of 1953 saw the pub raided by the police after being tipped off by a ‘plant’ in the pub.

Illegal betting was being enjoyed so contravening the existing gaming laws. A big black maria full of regulars emptied the premises.

Sadly, the excellent landlord, Victor Kinchen, was so mortified with events that he said goodbye to The George and went to live in Southampton.

These are just some of the many threads of the past that make up the colourful tapestry of 500 years of the chequered history of The George Inn, for this is what John Buckley has in mind when he states that there will be a “loss of history” if the plans go through without any provision for a public house facility.

John “Good Old Days” Porter, Millway Road, Andover.