THE THREE HORSESHOES
(also known as The Crown)
4, High Street, Reigate
The Three Horseshoes stood on the site of the old Lloyds bank which would place it at about No 4 High Street.
First recorded 1595, and last used circa 1647 when the premises bearing that sign were conveyed by Thomas Beadle of London to Thomas Blatt of Fengates, tanner.
Whenever a pub takes the name of the Three Horseshoes, it is an indicator that a blacksmith or farrier was not far away. Why three shoes and not four? Because the horse would stand on three when he was being shod.
Sydney Smith said "the Smiths never had any arms and have invariably sealed their letters with their thumbs". This sign, however, represents the arms of the Smiths, that is, of the London Company of Farriers. It also resembled the coat of arms of the Ferrers family, Earls of Derby in the 14th century. The Inn was later called the Crown, circa 1695.
Bryants survey dating from 1785, refers to this property (No 107 on plan) and says:
“East to Richard Yerworth. Formerly in the occuoation of Mrs Mary Martin, John Wix, John Cole, Thornas Dibble, now widow Dibble, as under-tenant to William Bryant, Jnr.
THE CROWN INN, pn. Late Dibble.
Messuage, garden, greenhouse, stable, and other outbuildings (and brewhouse in 1749), abutting west onto a passage leading behind same. worth, when repaired, £16 per annum. Called the CROWN INN, (see 190 for former same).
Benjamin Nodes in 1749 sold it to Philip, 2nd Earl Hardwicke. Benjamin Nodes was a nephew of Richard Kay, draper. James Martin polled 1698.
In 17th century, described as all that west part of a great messuage situate in the Borough called the THREE HORSESHOES.
Bryant's Survey 1785, property numbered 107.
For further information on these premises, see my notes on THE CROWN.
References: SC 445/1 f107. 371/6/127/1-12.
