The Greyhound’s ancient royal connection

If you’ve dined with us, you’ll know that the Greyhound is a beautiful venue with some very old bones indeed. The restaurant that still stands is itself a Grade II listed, 17th century former coaching inn. But did you know that the site’s history as an inn potentially goes back much further?

We were recently sent a message by one of our lovely guests which showed a typed note detailing the stories of some of Beaconsfield’s oldest pubs, according to which, it is believed that the Greyhound was a stopover for the King’s messengers travelling northwards from Windsor to Boarstal, and then onwards to the Midlands.

It says: “Although no precise date can be attached to the Greyhound, it too is certainly very ancient. Tradition has it that it was used by the King’s Messengers, as the first halt on their journeys from Windsor Castle to Boarstall, near Brill which was, at one time, another Royal residence.”

One of our regulars, Sue, a member of the Beaconsfield Historical Society, pulled together a fascinating and detailed history of The Greyhound last year, including evidence suggesting the Greyhound may have existed in Windsor End since at least 1645 – almost 400 years – and that it may have started life as a pair of cottages. 

This newly unearthed gem, that it may have been used by the King’s Messengers on the way to Boarstall, potentially marks it as even older, as Boarstall was part of the Royal Manor of Brill until 1213, according to Buckinghamshire Council’s monument records.

We love finding out more about the historic role the Greyhound has played over the years and this latest addition is no exception – we’ve always felt our hospitality to be royal standard (perhaps)!