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A Short History of The Seven Tuns
The Seven Tuns Inn, located on Queen Street in Chedworth has a rich history dating back to 1610 when it was established. Initially tied to the Cirencester Brewery, it changed ownership several times over the years, eventually being acquired by Simonds, Courage, Youngs breweries and now The Wellington Pub Company.
Various events and challenges have punctuated the pub’s history, including floods damaging the nearby waterwheel and ownership changes. There have been community efforts to preserve its status as a vital village establishment. The pub is registered as an Asset of Community Value.
Seven Tuns Action Group
We set up the Seven Tuns Action Group (STAG) about ten years ago when the pub was closed. I chair it, and Iain Robertson, Cate Thacker, Christopher Stainforth , Martin Harrison, Mike Dentith, Tony Kingsley and Andrew Speak are all working towards getting the Tuns re-opened and securing its future.
Patricia Langley
Why is having The Seven Tuns important to Chedworth?
Social Hub:
Meeting Place: Pubs offer a relaxing and friendly space for people from all walks of life to gather, eat and drink, chat, and socialise.
Fostering friendships and connections: Regulars often form strong bonds, creating a sense of community belonging.
Combatting loneliness: Pubs provide a vital social outlet, especially for those living alone or new to the area.
Community Centre:
Focal Point: Pubs are the heart of a community, hosting events, celebrations, and local gatherings. Weddings, funeral wakes, christenings, birthdays: none of these celebrations could happen without the pub.
Supporting Local Groups: They can provide space for clubs, book clubs, or charity events. Many local groups hold their committee meetings at the Tuns.
Local History and Identity: Many pubs are historic landmarks, representing the area’s character and heritage.
An Economic Engine:
Jobs: Pubs create jobs.
Local businesses: They often source ingredients and supplies from local vendors, boosting the community’s economic well-being.
Cultural Significance:
Sense of Place: The atmosphere, decor, and history of a pub contribute to the unique character and identity of a village. Stand outside the Tuns and look around: The church, the ancient houses,the pond and the Spring….all these are part of our collective memory of Chedworth.
Latest News
Nearly a hundred villagers gathered at Chedworth Village Hall on Saturday, 8th March, to discuss the future of The Seven Tuns, which has been closed since late 2023. The meeting saw overwhelming support for the idea of bringing the pub into community ownership to secure its future for generations to come. The Seven Tuns has faced multiple closures over the past decade, struggling with rising costs,…
Saturday 8th March 11 am at Chedworth Village Hall The Seven Tuns Action Group, supported by the Parish Council, has been exploring the possibility of buying the freehold of our village pub. We now want to share what we’ve learned – and hear what you think! At this meeting, we’ll: ✅ Show inspiring examples of other communities that have successfully…
Group members Patricia Langley, Parish Councillor Tony Kingsley and Christopher Stainforth had a valuable and constructive meeting with Criterion Asset Management who oversee all the Wellington Pub Company’s pubs. The Wellington Pub Company is a pub company and want to see it reopened. They welcomed our commitment to help in any way we can to get The Seven Tuns reopened…
The Seven Tuns Action Group is committed to restoring our beloved village pub, The Seven Tuns, to its rightful place as the heart of Chedworth. Despite no progress to reopen being made by the current owners, The Wellington Pub Company, we are determined to make our community’s voice heard. To this end, we are preparing to launch a major publicity…
After a long wait Chedworth Parish Council heard the good news today (14th November 2024) that The Seven Tuns has been registered as an Asset of Community Value (an ACV). What does an Asset of Community Value mean? An Asset of Community Value (ACV) is a building or piece of land that is important to a local community. It is protected…
Negotiations to buy a lease of the Seven Tuns have stalled. The prospective purchasers have said that they are still willing to negotiate a new lease. Unfortunately matters have not progressed expeditiously. STAG will meet soon to discuss what help we can offer to get things going again.
You may have noticed that very sadly the Seven Tuns still remains closed since November last year. In the intervening period the landlord, Simon Willson-White, has been actively trying to sell the pub’s lease. However despite Simon’s best efforts and the interest shown by, amongst a number of others parties, including the landlord of the Bell at Sapperton and a…
The Seven Tuns Action Group is currently working on trying to obtain grant funding in the event that the freehold of The Seven Tuns comes available to purchase. Such work is at an early stage.
Chedworth Parish Councillors agreed at May’s Parish Council Meeting (13th May) to apply again for The Seven Tuns to be registered as an Asset of Community Value (ACV). Villagers in the audience, through a show of hands, registered their unanimous support for this decision. The Nomination Form contained information and photographs provided by villagers and others of the pub’s use…
Chedworth Parish Councillors will be voting at May’s Chedworth Parish Council Meeting on whether to resubmit a registration of The Seven Tuns as an Asset of Community Value (ACV. The meeting will take place on Monday 13th May. Villagers have been encouraged to attend to show their support for this motion.
Villagers may be aware that Peter Austen from The Bell at Sapperton held a meeting in The Seven Tuns in March to say that he was interested in taking on the lease for the pub. Unfortunately Peter has decided to no longer pursue such interest. STAG thank Peter for all the work and time he put into this.
The Parish Council are in the process of trying to register The Seven Tuns as an Asset of Community Value (ACV). An Asset of Community Value (ACV) is a designation applied to land or property in the UK that is considered to be of significant community interest or value. This designation allows communities to have a say in the future…
Leaflets publicising a survey to find out the views of villagers about the future The Seven Tuns were delivered to over 360 households in Chedworth. The closing date for responses is Friday 26th April. You can find the survey at chedworth.info/seventuns.