It is said that the "Running Horse" Public House, or as it is popularly known in Littleton "The Runner", was originally built as a private house. The name probably reflects local interest in thoroughbred horses and to this day the village has a thriving racing Stud. One can imagine stable lads, trainers and owners enjoying a drink after a day at the races.
But the earliest reference to Littleton’s first public house, situated on a different site to the present pub, is dated 1716 when an alehouse licence was granted to Roberta Collis "widdow", possibly of an even earlier licensee. From 1717 to 1726 the alehouse licence was held by Andrew Hammon or, Hammond. Then there is a gap in our records.
The Tithe Commutation Award of 1839 identifies the next licensee as George Grace, and the very first mention of the name "Running Horse". Incidentally, George Grace went on to be the licensee of the Fox and Hounds at Crawley.
The Rev. Tanner, a local historian who lived in Littleton in the 1920s, tells us that "A beerhouse known as the Shanty was in a cottage attached to Sydney House". This building is further down the hill on the left towards St. Catherine’s Church and is now called Hillside House. Until recently, it is said, traces of the pub cellar doors could be seen in the front wall of this property. However, another source states that the original inn on the this site was of ‘single storey’ construction. It is possible that "The Shanty" was simply a local nickname for the Running Horse mentioned in the 1839 document.
In 1853, Frederick Bowker purchased the land which now forms the current site of the Running Horse. In 1885 he granted a long lease, the term to commence in June 1881, to George Trimmer of the Lion Brewery, Farnham, Surrey. A report in the Hampshire Chronicle dated the 17th September 1881 says that the County Bench, sitting on the 10th, approved the removal of the licence of the Running Horse, Littleton, "to a site nearby". This is almost certain to be the current building which may have been a private house before being granted a change of use to ‘Public House’.
Horace Trimmer of Winchester, Brewers, granted the tenancy of the Running Horse to John Allen in March 1882 who remained the licensee until the late 1890's.
H. Trimmer & Co. (formerly Sadler) advertised themselves as Steam Brewers in St Thomas Street, Winchester in 1880.
Trimmers were eventually taken over by Welch’s Brewery of Winchester. The photograph shows the
name Welchs clearly above the door. In turn, this old Winchester brewer eventually became
part of Cooper’s, one of Southampton’s larger brewing businesses.
Following the Second World War, Coopers were incorporated into Watney Coombe and Reid, the London based brewers. Watney's bought out the long lease in 1980. This ownership continued under various company names (latterly Phoenix) until it was purchased by Gibbs Mews of Salisbury..
Recent LandlordsIn the early part of this century during the years 1914-1926, the pub was run by a
well-known local couple Mr. and Mrs. William E. Moggeridge. They were followed by Mr.
Alphonsus (Phons) Long who was licensee from 1926-36. During World War II it was run by
Mr. Jack Holbrook. In the years following the war we know of Mr. S. Roberts followed by
Mr. & Mrs.G.S.Emmence. Both of these latter landlords had been in charge of busy
Southampton pubs and it was the practice at that time for older publicans to spend their
retirement years in a quiet country pub. In 1970 Mr. Don Marriner’s tenancy began. He
and his wife continued as landlords until 1983. Don recalls that the Vane family of
Sparsholt may have had a connection with the pub when the license was first granted in
1881. Since then there have been a succession of landlords until we reach the present time
when the tenant is Mr. Norman le Vesconte. Our information on the licensees is incomplete
particularly in the 20th century and anyone having any information about the history of
the pub is asked to contact the Webmaster
May we take the liberty to encourage you to visit our traditional country pub and enjoy the gardens, good beers, pool and darts in a friendly atmosphere. We also have a very successful quiz team.
Story line supplied by Dick Sydenham of the Littleton Local History Society and Don Marriner - a former landlord of the Running Horse
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The Running Horse underwent major
renovation and rebuilding work at the end of 2003 and was ready for
re-opening in March 2004. Brand-new kitchen and dining room were built, and the bar area was entirely replaced. The opening night in the restaurant was fully booked, mainly by a group of local residents who were keen to see the improvements in their "local" |
| The new owner, Louisa Dickson, was there to oversee events which included a blessing by the Rector of St. Catherine's, Juliet Montague. |  |
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| Everyone was impressed by the facilities
and the quality of the food and the evening was a great success. Let's hope that the pub and restaurant continue to thrive and that they become a popular social centre in the community |
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