The Flemish Weaver Photograph by John Chivers

The Flemish Weaver

by John Chivers

Canvas Print

Framed Print

Art Print

Poster

Metal Print

Acrylic Print

Wood Print

Greeting Card

Title

The Flemish Weaver

Artist

John Chivers

Medium

Photograph - Photo Print

Description

This is the very beautiful Flemish Weaver pub (Formally The Pack horse Inn 1725-2001)
Set in the stunning little Wiltshire town of Corsham in England. I love all the little features of this public house but more importantly I love the history to which this has plenty..so without fever ado..

The building was erected in 1625 and originally belonged to the Church and was situated on the King's Land.

It housed the vestry, which in those days had the authority of a Town Council. In the late 1700s the premises were licensed and named the Pack Horse.

Corsham was strong in the textile industry with many houses weaving cloth. Wool was transported to Corsham in panniers strapped to horses hence the name.

In those days the public house had accommodation at the rear for the drivers of the horse train and it was recorded that local hostelries could accommodate 52 beds and stabling for 65 horses At the turn of the last century the publican of the Pack Horse was Francis Smith.

A well-known carpenter called Joseph Rossiter had a workshop in part of a disused cottage behind the Pack Horse Inn.

Today the pub is called the Flemish Weaver with its name originating from the Flemish weavers' cottages.

In the 14th century sheep farming became a major source of wealth, with wool being exported to Flanders where there was less available land and a thriving spinning and weaving industry had been established.

Edward III, concerned about this drain on the economy, stopped wool exports in 1337 and banned the import of woollen goods. He lured Flemish weavers to England and many settled around the Cotswolds.

A flourishing cottage textile industry was established in Corsham. These weavers were joined by more of their compatriots in the 17th century fleeing religious persecution, when a fine row of houses was built in the High Street. The cobbled path to the left of our archive picture has survived to this day.

Near the corner of Church Street, where Johnson's Bakery was, was at one time the house of the weavers' overseer. The weavers would collect raw material and work on it in their own houses, bringing back the finished goods ready for payment.