Originally a substantial private dwelling in the 15th or early 16th century, it is not known when it became an inn. Inn the middle of the 17th century it was owned by Edward Madock who, because there was a shortage of coinage, was permitted to mint his own tokens which could be exchanged for goods and services. In the 1930s it became a favourite watering hole for the American newspaper magnate, William Randolph Hearst and his film-star guests. Locals were outraged by a number of the ladies who wore trousers. On the eve of World War II, Neville Chamberlain, the Prime Minister had lunch there during a visit to the area.