“It’s a raid! It’s a raid!” Imagine those words echoing through The Three Fishes pub.
The Three Fishes, a historic pub in Sunbury, has tales to tell. It’s not just any pub. It may occupy the village’s oldest building. This building possibly dates from the 16th century. However, it was largely rebuilt in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Originally, The Three Fishes wasn’t even in this building. Historical records indicate its first known location. A lease from 1665 places it between the River Thames and the road to Hampton. It was east of John Wynall’s property. Wynall owned the Flowerpot Inn. This suggests both pubs were once riverside establishments. The reason for The Three Fishes’ move is unrecorded. Perhaps frequent flooding prompted the relocation.
By the early 18th century, the pub had moved. It began hosting the Sunbury Manorial Courts. These courts addressed local matters. They dealt with fees, property rights, and similar issues. Crime was not among them.
In 1823, the pub was auctioned at the Flower Pot. Mr. Farnell Watson bought it for £810. The property was described with its parlour, tap room, and more. It even included a detached soldier’s room. This room once housed passing soldiers. A stable housed the parish fire engine.
Now, let’s jump to another Three Fishes. This one was near Kingston-Upon-Thames rail station. It was a hippie pub. Dim lights, rock ‘n’ roll music, and long-haired patrons filled the space. Back then, even fifteen-year-olds could enter pubs. The legal drinking age was eighteen. This created a mix of school kids and older folks.
One evening, police vans surrounded The Three Fishes. A raid was imminent. A patron shouted a warning. He yelled, “It’s a raid! – It’s a raid!”. He was promptly arrested. He was charged with interfering with the police operation. He pleaded guilty but said he didn’t feel guilty. The courtroom erupted in laughter. He received a fine of thirty pounds.
The Three Fishes near Kingston was eventually demolished in 1986. Before that, it had a reputation. Some called it the unofficial marijuana dispensary of Kingston. It was often raided. Landlord Tom would signal the presence of police.
Today, The Three Fishes in Green Street retains many original features. However, the fire engine is housed elsewhere now. The Three Fishes embodies more than just a pub. It reflects centuries of Sunbury’s history. From manorial courts to fire engines, its story is etched into the very fabric of this community. So next time you raise a glass, remember the tales within these walls.