Inside Salisbury: The mysterious case of the thief's letter.

Spotlight on the Goat Inn - horticulture, theft and aggression

By Annette J Beveridge

Milford Street was a hive of activity during the 1800s, with many drinking establishments operating along that route. Like many public houses over the years, it had its fair share of controversy.

Situated at 24 Milford Street, the Goat Inn was not recorded as a coaching inn but its success was due to it being located on an essential route to London. Waggons would set off from the Inn every Tuesday morning heading towards London, and would arrive at its final destination on Thursday night.

On Friday mornings, the waggons would start their journey back to Salisbury.

The Inn dates back to 1590 but little is recorded about the establishment at this time. However, in 1814, records revealed that a new landlord had taken over - not a local, but a man originally from Portsmouth. Joseph Chinn was a keen gardener and started what was known as the Annual Pink Feasts which enabled horticulturists in the area to display their flowers. After the judging took place, everyone would sit down to enjoy dinner. The horticultural events continued until 1829 and it seems that the landlord was often quite successful in these competitions.

In 1817, a strange event occurred.

A robbery took place at the Inn and the thief stole a bottle of rum and £8 in pennies and half-pennies. The next day, on examination of the bar area, Mr Chinn deemed that the thief must have hidden inside during opening hours and had only emerged ready to loot the place once it was closed.

Mr Chinn offered a £10 reward if the thief could be apprehended. However, the theft took an unusual turn when he duly received a somewhat unexpected letter.

It stated…..