We know that Innocent Bystanders had gigs at this Farncombe Street location in 1987. They had just lost their regular slot at The Talbot Hotel, Ripley and the band secured two or three gigs at the Duke after persuading the landlord at short notice. The Flying Tigers played the venue in 1988/89 – and a recording of one of these gigs exists somewhere – as did The Piccadilly Mudmen, many times a few years earlier (c’85-88).

1987: Innocent Bystanders at the Duke of Wellington, Farncombe. Picture courtesy of John Hudson

We know more about The Duke’s history than we do its live music pedigree: It was a beerhouse on Farncombe Street in 1841, having opened in the 1830s, as a direct result of an Act of Parliament passed by the Duke of Wellington’s government. In 1851 it was run by 27-year-old Alfold man, Charles Boxall and his wife Mary. The original pub burnt down in 1880 and was replaced by the building in the photo and was owned by the Guildford’s Friary Brewery. Pheasant Griffith was landlord here from 1898 or possibly slightly earlier. His license was transferred to George Smith in 1908. During the Second World War the local ARP wardens command post was situated in the pubs back yard.

The Flying Tigers at the Duke of Wellington, Farncome in ’89. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records

It closed in 1997, was demolished and replaced by houses.

Gallery:

1987: Innocent Bystanders at the Duke of Wellington, Farncombe. Picture courtesy of John Hudson
1987: Innocent Bystanders at the Duke of Wellington, Farncombe. Picture courtesy of John Hudson
1987: Innocent Bystanders at the Duke of Wellington, Farncombe. Picture courtesy of John Hudson
The Flying Tigers’ Chris Turner takes the mic at the Duke of Wellington, Farncome in ’89. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records
The Flying Tigers at the Duke of Wellington, Farncome in ’89. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records
The Flying Tigers at the Duke of Wellington, Farncome in ’89. Picture courtesy of Ben’s Collectors Records
The Duke of Wellington, Farncombe was on the right as you headed up Farncombe Street.