Bridge Inn, Twenty Pence Inn, Wilburton

History of the Bridge Inn

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

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1900

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.

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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.

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1931

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.

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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)