A Brief History of The New Inn, Shalfleet

For centuries, the site of the New Inn has been a cornerstone of Shalfleet’s social life. Originally the location of a “Church House” – a medieval parish hall where villagers gathered to drink, celebrate, and discuss the topics of the day – this spot has hosted public hospitality for over 350 years.

By the early 1600s, with national religious reforms discouraging secular activities in churches, dedicated buildings for parish gatherings became common. Shalfleet’s Church House likely emerged during this time, conveniently positioned at a key Saxon crossroads near the Caul stream.

Historical records trace its evolution: in 1744, after a fire, a new inn was built on the site by John Perkins under a 99-year lease, requiring stone, brick, and a tiled roof. By 1755, it was confirmed to be operating as an inn, offering respite to locals and travelers alike.

The New Inn witnessed momentous national events through the eyes of its patrons – from the Civil War and the execution of Charles I to the fall of the Bastille and the Battle of Waterloo. Each victory or disaster, storm or war, was digested over ale and conversation. Parish records even show public funds spent on "ringing beer" for bell ringers after major announcements. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the inn changed hands, survived fires, snowstorms, and wartime disruptions. Brewing shifted from local production to being supplied by the Mew Langton brewery of Newport. The pub remained a meeting place through agricultural revolts, smallpox outbreaks, and island-wide hardships.

The 20th century brought more change. After serving through the world wars and countless dramatic winters, the pub saw renovations, new landlords, and continued importance as a hub of community life. Its deep fireplace, rediscovered in 1936, now stands as a symbol of the centuries of stories told around it.Ownership passed through many hands, including Martin Bullock (1999), and later Daniel Witherwick and Kate Slade, before the pub reopened under Bullock again in 2019.

This brief summary is based on the book 'The New Inn' written by Ian Broad, a local historian.

Mr Ian Broad