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Picture source: Movement80

The Duke Of Wellington was situated on Wellington Street. During the 1970s Larry Grayson was a regular visitor. The pub was run by a man called Jack Smith, an old dancer friend who had opened the establishment when he had retired from the theatre. On many occasions Larry would serve behind the bar, as part of the fun. Known as the Jolly Sailor at time of closure. Now owned and used by Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust.

A blue plaque on the building indicates that Thame born Henry Boddington of Brewery fame lived in the pub prior to moving to Manchester to find his fortune.

Carl Griffin (July 2017)

My grandparents, Walter and Gladys Lane, moved into the pub on VJ DAY and ran it for several years. As a child I spent a few summer holidays there and my fondest memory was one of “helping” the milkman every morning on his rounds on his pony and cart! Of course I was under the impression that I was driving but the pony actually new every inch of the route and certainly didn’t need my help. Behind the pub there were lodgings where an Irish family lived in a couple of the rooms, in those days a very poor way of living. Now in my 80’s I can’t recall the age I was during those summer holidays but fondly remember the time I spent there with my grandparents being spoiled and having crisps and fizzy drinks in the bar.

Maureen Edmonds (May 2020)

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