Frome Town

EVER fancied popping out for a pint at the Crooked Fish Tavern or the Black Boy Inn?

Well, these are two of the pubs historians Mick Davis and Valerie Pitt have been researching along with many other ancient inns of Frome.

They have located the Black Boy Inn but aren't letting on where it is for the moment. Suffice to say, most of you have probably been there, whether you realise it or not.

As for the mysterious Crooked Fish – it remains elusive. All that is known about this pub is that it was the scene of great tragedy during the 1700s. But the pair are still determined to track it down.

We've also found a previously unknown pub in Fromefield – the building exists but it definitely is not a pub anymore.

Now two years worth of research has been compiled into a book, Historic Inns of Frome, which is set to reach bookshops later this year. From murder and riot to highwaymen and scandal – Frome's historic inns have seen it all.

Mrs Pitt said: "We have also been tracking down the First World War Service Records of Frome landlords and have come across some moving stories.

"But we need your help. There remain certain pubs for which they have either no image or only poor images. The Royal Oak, Ring O' Bells, Mason's Arms and Sun all still exist but does anybody have any early images of these ones?

"We also need photographs of Broadway, Vallis Road, Vicarage Street, the Butts, Water Lane (The Roebuck), the Anchor in Catherine Street, the Great Western in Portway, the Plume of Feathers in Keyford and various pubs such as the Red Lion and Somerset Arms in The Butts."

They are also keen to see any photographs taken inside Frome's pubs.

Following the successful exhibition in Frome Museum last summer they acquired lots of stories from local people, but we are always on the lookout for more.

If you have any pictures or anecdotes contact them either via Frome Museum or email fromehistoricinns@outlook.com.

Read more: http://www.fromestandard.co.uk/Crooked-Fish-remains-elusive-drinking-partner/story-20938470-detail/story.html#ixzz2yb8XXrMG