38 Grove Street, Retford, Nottinghamshire, DN22 6JR
This pub is named after the stone cross which marked Retford’s southern boundary in medieval times. The base of the southern cross (the Dominie Cross) was later moved to Market Square and became known as the Broad Stone. It still stands in front of the Victorian town hall, not far from the Wetherspoon pub in Grove Street. Grove Street was added to the town plan in the 13th century, when it was known as New Gate. During the 19th century, it was the location of the town’s annual horse fair, held in March.
Text about Grove Street.
The text reads: Originally known as New Gate, Grove Street was laid out in the 13th century. In Victorian times it was the location of Retford’s annual horse fair, held in March, when horses and ponies were paraded up and down the street.
Further along the street is the massive Wesleyan Chapel, built in 1880. Methodism was brought to Retford by John Mackfarland, who worked as a navvie, digging out the Chesterfield Canal. The canal, engineered by James Brindley, crosses the east end of Grove Street.
A photograph of Grove Street in the 1930s.
A mixed media sculpture entitled Connection.
A three layer art piece entitled Valhalla.
External photograph of the building – main entrance.
If you have information on the history of this pub, then we’d like you to share it with us. Please e-mail all information to: pubhistories@jdwetherspoon.co.uk