The Bolingey Inn, opened in 1783 was originally known as the Miners Arms. In 1841, the pub was used as a 'kiddlywink'' - an illegal undertaking run by a carpenter. By 1851 the pub was recognised as an official license with the carpenter the landlord. 

 

Let's dive through the decades... 

 

1910's - During world war one

 

During the first world war beer barrels would be dropped off on the main road via Mitchell's horse buses and the landlord would have to go the hill with a wheelbarrow to collect!

 

Throughout the 19th century, the pub was used as a mine count house, with a hatch used for handling money or tokens. Dozens of thirsty miners would have money burning holes in their pockets outside the door. In addition lots of traders would congregate to prise hard earned cash off the miners. There were numerous mines operating in the area and these would have employed thousands of men, boys and girls.  

 

1940's 

In the 1940's, saw the toilets move inside, so the crossing over the car park in the pouring rain to spend a penny was no more!

 

1950's 

Local youngsters would use the hatch to buy a half bottle of Navy Rum for only 21p to keep their spirits up when out lamping. Lamping is the activity of hunting at night using lamps.

 

1980's 

In 1985, rent was just £3.00 - yes, £3.00! 

 

Moving onto the final bit of history, that always comes with an old pub...GHOSTS!

 

Like all old buildings, the Bolingey is rumoured to have its very own ghost!  Depending on which landlord you speak to, the ghost lurks within the walls with few sightings but common apparitions are taps and electrical appliances being turned on and off, glasses unexpectedly falling and the less than lightweight ghost can be heard crossing the room above your head in the bar, making the floorboards creak.  Not everyone is convinced but some landlords refused to stay in the Inn overnight after their first night!  One claimed a ghostly sighting in the car park but it was probably searching for the recently moved loos!