The Blue Boar, St James St, Castle Hedingham

The Blue Boar was a coaching inn that stood on the eastern end of St James Street in Castle Hedingham. Today the Tennis Courts stand on the site. It took its name from the heraldic "badge" (like a logo) used by the Earls of Oxford, who held their ancestral seat in Hedingham Castle from 1066-1625. Apparently it was known as the angel, before it was the Blue Boat [citation needed for this]

From the surviving photographs it appears that the Blue Boar had its origins in the at least the 16th century, like much of the village. The impressive double chimney stacks and multitude of roofs and extensions present an imposing and extensive property.

The Blue Boar is mentioned in the Essex Standard 31 August 1860 for some dodgy dealings:

''Landlords of the district, 27 in number, applied and had their licenses renewed, with the exception of the landlord of the Blue Boar, Castle Hedingham, Mr. Richard Wade, against whom there were complaints for allowing prostitutes in his house and other disorderly conduct. After having been cautioned Wade said he intended leaving the house at Michaelmas.''

Rivalry, political warfare and trial by fire

The two largest inns of Castle Hedingham were the Bell and the Blue Boar. The local Conservative club favoured drinking in the Bell (even holding meetings and dinners there) and the Blue Boar was favoured by the Whigs (Liberals).

In 1865 as tensions grew between the two groups and one night a stabbing took place on the steps outside the Bell. The next evening a fire broke out in the Blue Boar. Could this have been in retaliation? It has been speculated that this is the case, but nothing was even proven.

An article in the Chelmsford Chronicle, 28th July 1865 reads:

"Fire at Castle Hedingham - A fire broke out about two o'clock Wednesday morning [This would have been a Friday apparently] on the premises of the Blue Boar Inn, at this place, in the occupation of Mr James Bridge, and the property of Ashurst Majendie Esq. The origin of the fire is unknown, but it is supposed to have been occasioned by some drunken men who were found on the premises unknown to the landlord, who with his family, were all in bed at the time. The flames were first discovered in a heap of straw, at the end of a malting adjoining the house, and the greater portion of the malting and part of the house, were destroyed, the whole being fortunately insured in the Royal Exchange office. After some delay the Hedingham engine was got to work and did some good service, the water being supplied by L. A Majendie Esq, who was present, from the canal"

The fire damage can be seen at the right end of the building, apparently this damage was too expensive to repair and shortly after the rest of the building was demolished [We need more on this, does anyone have anything?]

Remains of the Blue Boar

After the building was dismantled various parts of it were apparently reclaimed for use locally. Notably the wrought iron sign surround that can be seen in the photographs (right) survives on the side of the Bell Inn.

Some doors from the Blue Boar were apparently taken to use in the Castle. [Not sure which]

Some of the beams were used to restore cottages in the village.

Bricks from the building make up the tennis court's herringbone wall.

Noted Landlords
 * Woodford Weybrew 1848
 * Thomas Lewis 1855
 * James Bridge, 1862