Clement Hare? The chances are that you have never heard of him. But if you were living in Deeping St James in the mid nineteenth century you would most certainly have known of him because not only was he a successful publican at the Oat Sheaf, Deeping St Nicholas, where he worked for his father John, but he also built his own public house in Frognall, The Coach and Horses.

The new pub, of which he must have been very proud, was built of stone with a slate roof and had a granary, stables, cow shed with a good orchard and garden along with three acres of ‘very rich old pasture land’ and five acres of rich arable land. It came with a house and garden that adjoined the premises and was rented out initially to William Anar. More to the point in terms of trade, it was situated on the roadside leading from Deeping to Spalding and close to Deeping St James.

In 1839 The Oat Sheaf was let out to T. Plowman, a Smith and Farrier of Deeping St James who advertised his new business premises, ‘T Plowman begs to acquaint gentlemen and farmers and the public in general that he has commenced the above premises lately occupied by Mr Clement Hare where he hopes to receive a portion of their patronage and support. Horses shod on approved principles and Smiths work in general executed.’