Yesterday I volunteered to take T of N on a pub tour/ CAMRA business trip. The first stop was the Crab & Boar at Chievley, previously known as The Blue Boar, in honour of the sad little character we see below. This sandstone boar and his twin were brought back from Italy by Lord Inglebey to his home at Ripley Castle in the 17th C. In the summer of 1644 the Roundheads made off with one of them following the Battle of Marston Moor. In October that year they made this inn their base for the second Battle of Newbury. ( a senseless waste of human life). They seem to have forgotten said boar! He was either left behind in haste, or perhaps a thank you present. I think, like the Elgin Marbles, he should be repatriated.
Next stop was Yattendon to visit The Royal Oak and the West Berks Brewery. Below is the tithe barn.
We walked past the 15th C church of St Peter and St Paul. Then headed through woodland to the open countryside of the Berkshire Downs.
The first blackberries have appeared but cannot be made out in the foreground of my photo. Sorry.
T of N was pleased to see some geese.
Next we enjoyed a well earned beer and cup of tea in the delightful pub garden.
Yattendon is an unspoilt village.
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