The Sprat
From Lacey Green History
In the Lost Pubs Project (www.closedpubs.co.uk) it states that The Sprat opened in the 1600s and closed in the 1800s.
1819. Death of Jonathan Bristow aged 40, publican of The Spratt click Loosley Row Baptist Burials for others buried here
ROADS 1823 (the date of the local enclosures) in relation to those 2021
Windmill Road leading from a lane near he Spratt public house at Loosley Row, crossing the Wycombe Road and Lacey Green Road and thence continuing over the Hillock to the parish of Monks Risborough. This road ran several yards to the north of the original Windmill Road.
This route would later be described as follows:- starts by Gommes Forge, Loosley Row, up Foundry Lane to the top of Little Lane, up Loosley Hill, across Lacey Green Main Road at The Whip pub then along Pink Road to The Pink and Lily pub.
1823. Enclosures of Princes Risborough In 1823 Loosley Row was part of the Parish of Princes Risborough, subject to the Manor of Princes Risborough. In 1823 the land was enclosed, doing away with the Parish Woodlands and parish arable strip fields. All went into private ownership although much was still rented out.
1823 Enclosures. In the schedule compiled in 1823 The Spratt is listed to Thomas Wethered (Brewer). It is an old property, purchased freehold at that time, from the Enclosure Commissioners.
In Hallmark April 1983 a 'native' (almost certainly Dennis Claydon) wrote :- A picture from the past of old Loosley Row as it was at the turn of the century.
"The Sprat" is situated in what is known locally as "The Stret", but now officially named Loosley Hill. Reputedly built in the 18th century, it was, until the early years of this century, a public house. A directory of 1847 lists as many as three ‘beer retailers’ in Loosley Row, James Harman, Henry Parslow, and Mrs. Ann Verney. Unfortunately, the names of the houses are not recorded. Another directory of 1864 however, lists Henry Janes as Landlord of "The Sprat”. Landlords listed in later years are: 1883 and 1899 Jesse Rixon; 1901, 1903 and 1907 Mrs. Caroline Rixon; 1911 Horace Adams.
During the years a large wing has been added to the side of the original building. The whole range of buildings were recently transformed into two country houses of character - North and South Sprat' and put on the market. Both homes command panoramic views of the Vale of Aylesbury and apart from the usual attractions, South Sprat has the added bonus of a wine vault, converted from the old beer cellar.
Behind "The Sprat", across bush covered pasture land, is clearly visible footpath L16, leading over Callows Hill to Smalldean, a footpath recommended for its fine views.
The brick and flint cottages in the foreground still survive as Steep Hill and Omega Cottage. The open land surrounding "The Sprat"™ has now been lost under development. In contrast to this the group of cottages, known as Coombes, crowning the summit of the hill in the background, have long since vanished.
1853 Trades Directory. Mary Varey. victualler The Sprat
1861 census. Henry Janes 33 publican of The Sprat public house, Loosley Row.
1871, 81, 91 and 1901 census. click Jesse & Caroline Rixon for landlords of the Sprat
1911 census. Horace Adams 36 publican & house painter, Rosina 34. click Horace & Rosina Adams
1899 Kelly’s Directory Jesse Rixon. Publican
1903 Kelly’s Directory. Mrs Caroline Rixon, publican The Sprat Public House.
Caroline Rixon died in 1907.
1915 Kelly’s Directory. John Lee, publican The Sprat Public House.
1918 CLOSED as a public house and became a private residence.
1924 Kelly’s Directory. Ernest William Sprott and Dr Barbara Sprott
1939 Register (census). The Sprat. Ernest William Sprott, director of a national acetylene gas company and Dr Barbara Sprott born 1882 anaesthetist, Edith D Bird born 1888 teacher