The Story of Widow Fletcher...

It was shortly after the untimely death of her husband, Private Fletcher, a Grenadier in the Hampshire English Militia, that this young woman and mother, to be known from then on as the Widow Fletcher, decided to turn her home into a tavern. The year was 1764 in Hampshire County England.

In the years that followed, the Widow Fletcher's Tavern became a notable stopping place for weary travelers and an active watering-hole for the local populace and county Grenadiers stationed nearby, many of whom were former comrades of late Private Fletcher.

The attractive young widow, active and always fascinating, became a popular figure with her patrons who spread the word throughout England about this unique Tavern and equally interesting proprietor. Noted for its cooking and hospitable ways, the tavern became a successful venture which handsomely supported herself and her only daughter.

A popular place attracting many artists and writers of that time, the Tavern's fame continued to grow and the Widow Fletcher was to become personal friends with many of England's most notable citizens. The Tavern operated until her death at the age of 68 whereupon her daughter continued to operate the Tavern in the family tradition.