The London and Southampton Railway was first proposed in 1831 and the bill approved by Parliament in 1834 at a cost of £900,000. The section between Basingstoke and Winchester opened on 11 May 1840 – and was the final part of the London and Southampton Railway to be completed. Prior to its construction, all of the traffic between London and Southampton was carried by eight stage coaches, four wagons per week, and one barge weekly on the Basingstoke Canal!
The London and Southampton Railway was first proposed in 1831 and the bill approved by Parliament in 1834 at a cost of £900,000. The section between Basingstoke and Winchester opened on 11 May 1840 – and was the final part of the London and Southampton Railway to be completed. Prior to its construction, all of the traffic between London and Southampton was carried by eight stage coaches, four wagons per week, and one barge weekly on the Basingstoke Canal!
The London and Southampton Railway was first proposed in 1831 and the bill approved by Parliament in 1834 at a cost of £900,000. The section between Basingstoke and Winchester opened on 11 May 1840 – and was the final part of the London and Southampton Railway to be completed. Prior to its construction, all of the traffic between London and Southampton was carried by eight stage coaches, four wagons per week, and one barge weekly on the Basingstoke Canal!
Half Moon & Spread Eagle - History
Inns & Innkeepers in the Village Through the years
We find the current Half Moon & Spread Eagle in Winchester Road listed as an inn in all the censuses since 1841, although the name has varied. In the early censuses, no name is given. It became known as The Eagle Inn in the 1871 census, then became The Half Moon from 1881 onwards. The publican changed frequently!
In Northbrook itself, a Beer Shop was established in 1871 under George Gutteridge, also a Blacksmith. By 1881 it was known as The Full Moon under the same publican cum blacksmith. No mention of it is made after that.
It is interesting to note that the inn is at the end of the village. It is said to have been a drover's inn.
Publicans of The Half Moon
1841 – Henry Hillary
1851 – Sarah Hillary, widow of Henry
1861 – Frederick Ward
1871 – Robert & Elizabeth Cook
1881 – Henry Woodvine - more information below
1891 – John & Ann Carter
1901 - Henry Victor Taylor
1911 - William & Susan Lansley
1927 - Charles Brown
Recent Publicans
in 2019 the pub was bought for the community by Nick Warr & Penton
2019 - Paula & Andy
2023 - Matt
Information on past Landlords
Henry Woodvine - not only the landlord of HMSE but he was also a journeyman, carpenter, and farmer!
1966
2009
2009
1966