The historic village of Sible Hedingham, which dates back to the Bronze Age, was once home to 12 thriving pubs, but now only one remains.
This trend of a decline in the number of pubs is not specific to Sible Hedingham, with the Campaign for Real Ales (CAMRA) reporting that nationwide, 31 pubs close every week.
Richard Williams of North West Essex branch of the Campaign for Real Ales said: “There is a very true maxim which applies to pubs and a few other things: "Use it or loose it". Clearly the population of Sible has not used its pubs enough for them to be sustainable viable businesses.”
So popular were the pubs in Sible Hedingham that a poem of their names was created - The Windmill, The Half Moon, The Black Horse, The Lamb, The Bell, The Swan, The Bird in Hand, The Sugar Loaves, The Lion, The White Horse and The Carpenter’s Arms.
*See the full story in this week's Gazette
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here