Did a secret passage for smugglers truly exist beneath the George and Devonshire? Let’s uncover the captivating history of this historic pub, right here in Chiswick. The George and Devonshire has stood as a landmark since the 1650s. Originally called “The George,” it was renamed in the 1820s to honor the Duke of Devonshire. His impressive Chiswick House still stands proudly nearby. The Duke’s coat of arms now graces the entrance of the George and Devonshire. This 18th-century building, listed as Grade II, sits conveniently close to a Fuller’s brewery. This proximity to the brewery almost makes the George and Devonshire feel like a brewery tap, with a fantastic selection of beers. But the most intriguing tale about the George and Devonshire involves a secret passage. Legend says this passage ran beneath St. Nicholas Church, where artist William Hogarth is buried. It supposedly opened near the Thames, providing a route for 18th-century rum and spirits smugglers. Some claim remnants of this passage can still be found in the pub’s cellar. So, next time you visit the George and Devonshire, remember the stories whispering within these walls. Perhaps, as you enjoy a pint of Fuller’s ale, you can almost hear the echoes of smugglers past.
Southfields Methodist Church
Curiosity stirred within the heart of Southfields as a new chapter began. Southfields Methodist Church held its first public service