Was this once a bustling place? The Burn Bullock stands before you, silent and scarred. This former pub, a landmark on London Road, whispers tales of a bygone era. It’s hard to believe now, looking at its fire-damaged facade, but this was once the King’s Head Hotel. Imagine stagecoaches thundering past, their passengers eager for refreshment. Parts of this building date back to the 16th century, a testament to its enduring presence. The Burn Bullock even earned Grade II listed status in 1954.
The Burn Bullock wasn’t always known by this name. It was renamed in 1975 in honour of Burnett Bullock, a cricketer who managed the pub from 1941 to 1954. He was a local legend, intrinsically linked to the nearby Mitcham Cricket Club. The very heart of cricket beats close by! The Association of Cricket Umpires and Scorers was founded in a room upstairs, back in 1953. It’s a poignant thought – the echoes of sporting history silenced beneath the weight of charred timbers.
The Burn Bullock closed its doors in 2009 due to anti-social behaviour, a sad end to its long history. It fell into disrepair, a magnet for squatters, its faded grandeur a sad sight for those who remembered its glory days. And then, in April 2024, the worst happened. A fire swept through the building, leaving it a shell of its former self.
Today, the Burn Bullock stands as a poignant reminder of time’s passage, a silent sentinel bearing witness to centuries of change. It’s a bittersweet sight, this blend of loss and enduring spirit. The future of the Burn Bullock remains uncertain, but one thing is for sure: its story, much like the game of cricket, is full of twists and turns, triumphs and heartbreaks.