Arkell’s home page – pub accommodation, food and drink in the south of England
  • Host:
  • Mark Whittam
  • Where:
  • High Street
  • Wootton Bassett
  • Wiltshire SN4 7AQ
  • Telephone:
  • (01793) 327240
  • Facilities:
  • Garden Or Patio
  • Pub Food
  • Overnight Accommodation
  • Accommodation
  • Map:
  • Click Here for a Map to The Borough Arms, Wootton Bassett

The Borough Arms, Wootton Bassett

The Borough Arms, Wootton Bassett - Click to enlarge The Borough Arms, Wootton Bassett - Click to enlarge The Borough Arms, Wootton Bassett - Click to enlarge The Borough Arms, Wootton Bassett - Click to enlarge The Borough Arms, Wootton Bassett - Click to enlarge The Borough Arms, Wootton Bassett - Click to enlarge

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If the Borough Arms could be described as one of those little 'gems' which are becoming increasingly difficult to find up and down Britain's High Streets, then it is an appropriate description indeed. At one stage the premises saw an unlikely combination of an inn and a jeweller's shop!

Parts of the Borough Arms are as old as almost any other Arkell's pub because the deeds to the building go back to 1661, though at that time it appears to have been a private house.

The link with brewing was established by the middle of the 18th century, however, when it was a malthouse, and some time between 1812 and 1829 it at last became an inn.

In 1830 it was sold for the princely sum of £100 and within the following twenty years one of the owners had changed the name to the Castle and Ball.

An advertisement at this time promised "barometers on the most approved principles" as well as "good stabling" and "well-aired beds".

The owners also found time to make their own beer as brewing equipment was part of the lot when it was put up for sale in 1863, along with "three-motion beer engine, stuffed birds and fox and pair parroquets in a cage, six store casks, 250-1500 gallons".

Arkell's became the owners in 1876 and after twenty years restored the original name.

Described by beer guides as a "friendly locals' pub", the Borough Arms has been known to attract visitors merely for a chance to see its collection of over 200 chamber pots which dangle from the ceiling. But many are blissfully unaware that some of the mahogany seats were once commodes!