Peering through the smoky haze of centuries, The Three Magpies stands as a resilient landmark. It is the last surviving building of Heathrow hamlet. Once known as the Three Pigeons until 1765, this pub has quenched the thirst of travelers for hundreds of years.
Today, we stand before The Three Magpies. It is isolated amidst modern roads. But imagine a different scene. Picture Hounslow Heath’s barren wastes stretching out where highwaymen lurked, ready to pounce on vulnerable travelers.
Before 1765, this spot was home to two inns. The Three Magpies, then the Three Pigeons, and a thatched beerhouse called The Magpies. They catered to different clientele but were collectively known as the Magpies. The older Magpies was lost to the Heathrow underpass in 1951.
The Three Magpies has seen many landlords. Some were industrious. Some were less so. An auction in 1792 showcased the inn’s assets. It had two stables, a large yard, and a garden. Landlord John Meads had expanded his holdings. He bought land from struggling farmers.
By 1836, Jonathan Evans insured The Three Magpies. But rail travel soon eclipsed coach travel. Evans sought new income streams. He advertised his pleasure grounds for anglers. Visitors could fish in a well-stocked pond. Evans promised their catch would be delicately cooked.
Charles Morton, a former huntsman, became landlord before 1844. Misfortune plagued him. Robbery and lawsuits left him penniless. He tragically took his own life. A dark event also occurred during his tenure. A child drowned in the inn’s pond.
Mr. Greatrex turned to sports to boost revenue. Pedestrianism became popular. Races took place on the Bath Road. He built a running track around the fishing lake. Novelty races entertained spectators. The Three Magpies hosted various sports. Steeple-chasing and bare-knuckle fighting were among them. It was a regular meeting place for hunts.
In 1850, Neville Brown hosted a sporting event. Fellow licensed victuallers watched someone attempt to walk twenty miles in four hours. The feat was achieved. Brown improved the running track. But he later faced bankruptcy due to overspending.
George Williams faced legal trouble in 1870. He allowed drinking before 1 PM on a Sunday. A thief named Edward Tillier broke into The Three Magpies in 1872. Policeman William Belch caught him red-handed.
Leonard Sayer, a former butler, was landlord in 1889. Alfred Henry Mays faced assault accusations in 1894. A barred customer claimed the barman assaulted him.
George Rawlings became landlord around 1924. He remained for seventeen years. He was involved in local groups. During WWII, he served as an ARP warden. A fishing pond behind the pub nearly dried up in 1934. This caused significant fish loss.
After George’s death, his wife Alice took over the licence. During the war, women kept pubs running. Bill Sell, sought a quieter life. He took over The Three Magpies. The nearby farmland became Heathrow Airport. The pub thrived with construction workers and travelers.
Since the airport’s opening in 1946, The Three Magpies is surrounded by hotels. It is a survivor. Expansion plans threaten its future. Greene King considers closing pubs. Losing this ancient pub would be a tragedy.
The Three Magpies stands as more than just a pub. It’s a living testament to history. It is shaped by transport, people, and culture. Its story is a captivating journey through time.
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