The History of The Market Tavern
We are a local gastro pub, built on the idea of delivering good food, good drinks and a good atmosphere.
Originally a 1700s country villa, the building has changed dramatically over the past 100 years.
Once, it was a dwelling accommodating a wealthy family. The most notable of these was the Bush family, who owned the first motor car in Melksham! Captain Bush was a dentist and during the refurbishment lots of teeth were found as a result of the Captain throwing them out of the window!
Back then, The Market Tavern was most certainly the Bush’s main house on a very large plot extending far beyond what remains today. In those days, there were servants to look after the family and many of the original pull bells were found during the refurbishment.
When the Bush family moved out is not certain, but the main house became a Labour Club around the time the Labour Party was formed and deeds show it in the ownership in the 1920s.
During the war it was requisitioned by the army as ‘The Sergeant’s Mess’!
At this time ‘Granny Butler’, an elderly lady from the victorian era, occupied the cottage at the rear which is now the beer store and office. Granny Butler was probably an employee on a peppercorn rent working in the Labour Club. She lived in a very simple style in the cottage, with a living room / kitchen and a bedroom above. She died around the mid 1950s.
During its Labour Club years, it was managed notably by a character called Mr Chivers. Mr Chivers brought a monkey back from the Bristol docks which lived happily in the outside pub kitchen as a pet!
The Market Tavern has had an interesting history with various names and roles. It was extended to the front in the 1970s to form a Steak House, then for a period of time it became a very popular night club.
As time went by, it was apparent that the building required investment as it was in need of urgent repair. Mr & Mrs Paul and Susan Dann became the proud new owners. It was a very personal purchase, as Susan’s mother and father played together as children during the war years, when Mr Jaffray, Susan’s father was evacuated during the war. They went on to marry and had their wedding reception at The Tavern, also establishing Jaffray Antiques, that still exists today!
Now the pub has been stripped back, fireplaces reinstated and old timbers revealed to capture the character and charm of this beautiful building.
Extensive work has also been carried out to provide a unique outdoor experience, suitable all year round.