Bridge Inn, Twenty Pence Inn, Wilburton

History of the Bridge Inn

Bridge Inn Wilburton (Twenty Pence Inn) OS map 1901

The name Twentypence comes from the name of a thirty acre parcel of land that was described in Richard Atkins’ Survey of the Fens in 1604.

1900

Twentypence Ferry, 1900 (photo J H Bullock) (Cambridgeshire Collection)

This was a floating bridge attached by chains on either side of the river. By 1903 it was in poor condition. The owner refused to do any repairs as they argues a bridge was needed. However, there was a public road on one side and a private, the Aldreth Causeway, on the other.

Near Twenty pence (undated) MoC125/57)

1907 -1931

After the drawbridge was removed, to cross the river you had to shout for the bargeman Albert Savage who lived in the cottage opposite the public house.

1931

Twentypence Bridge, 1931, Wilburton (photo D G Reid)(Cambridgeshire Collection)

A scheme was proposed in 1927 to replace the ferry with a bridge which was finally built in 1931 at a cost of £8,000.

Twenty Pence Inn 1982

1982

The landlords of the Twenty Pence Inn near Cottenham invited the Queen and the Prime Minister to a party to celebrate the introduction of the new 20p coin. But they both had other engagements. A special Twenty Pence Ale – brewed for the occasion – was on sale but could only be bought with a 20 pence coin. A display of old brewing equipment was loaned from Haddenham Farmland Museum and music supplied by Cottenham Brass Band and the Steve Anthony Duo. (Press 10/6/1982)

Twenty Pence Inn 1991