University Arms, London Road, Pampisford

History of the University Arms, Pampisford

O C Mayo in Old Pampisford writes about Colour Sergeant Earnest Gapes Tickner and the pub. George, followed by his daughter Sarah Anne, sold beer here for nearly 70 years from at least 1873 to c.1933. The Tickners arrived in Sawston in 1861, three brothers, George, James and Henry Charles who had walked from Godalming looking for work. They took jobs at Thomas Evans’ leather works. Other family members followed.

Henry Charles married Louisa Wisby and their son Earnest Gapes Tickner started work aged 11 earning 3s a week. He later joined the Essex Regiment and served in the Boer War. He was at the Battle of Paardeberg and a letter from Earnest from Bloemfontein has survived. the letter was sent to his ‘comrades’ in the Boy’s Brigade, an organisation that Sgt. Tickner clearly supported.

Tickner went on to live until he was 80.