Potted history of popular inn (From Keighley News)

Potted history of popular inn

3:18pm Thursday 17th May 2012 in Memory Lane By Ian Dewhirst

The carter, sitting sideways reins in hand ready to move off, the bicycle leaned against the wall, and the sadly not quite distinguishable sign, suggest that this old photograph was taken while the Silent Inn at Stanbury was licensed.

Such was not always the case, as this hostelry has had a chequered career.

As the 19th century Eagle Inn, it was a busy rendezvous for farmers, gamekeepers and sportsmen during the grouse-shooting season, but by 1907 it was no longer an inn.

Despite gaining a measure of fame through being featured in Halliwell Sutcliffe’s once-popular novel, Ricroft Of Withens, its licence lapsed again in 1926.

When it reopened as the Old Silent Inn in 1965, it only had a restaurant licence, but this was followed by a full licence in 1973.

I remember calling there with my parents shortly after the Second World War, and seem to recall that it was occupied by an elderly lady simply serving pots of tea.

The photograph has been supplied by Mr Ian Brierley, of Bridgehouse Lane, Haworth.