Bonny Inn 001

BONNY INNrnThe local hostelry of Salesbury namely the Bonny Inn can trace its records back to 1822 when it was called the Bonny Inn or The Sign of the Dog when the owner was described as a weaver but could dispense ale when he was not weaving. During the early days the pub had two closes of land suggesting it stood in a lonely lane (Long Lane now Ribchester Road) surrounded by fields. It was acquired by Daniel Thwaites in 1864 and it is known that the mob that fired Clayton Grange and learning that Colnel Jackson and family had escaped via the pubs landlord Richard Coar looted it and drank it dry with the local bobbies helpless to stop them. One of the leaders of the mob called Smalley was later given 15 years in prison for his share of the day’s activities. During its life right up to modern times the pub has remained at the centre of village life of Salesbury. At one time its landlord was a well-known character whose excesses at drinking and behaviour were legendry in the area especially his pranks and led their way into local poets verse.