Continuing my journey via John Byng Viscount Torrington, this time from his
A Trip into Sussex, 1788, of August 16 as I share this:
A long lane of ascent (whence we had fine views of the vale...) brought us into the old road at the village of Lamberhurst; where finding a desire of stop, and a strong wish for dinner, we put up at an excellent public house, the Checquers; and had instantly spread before us, in a clean sanded parlour, a cold fillet and a cold quarter....After the insolence and noise of our inn at Tunbridge, civility and quiet afforded additional pleasure. But judge of my surprise when...I had the bill to pay, our charge for the good dinner -- plus cheese, and my horse's hay and corn -- was only 3 shillings! This inspired us in our evening's way....
...From Flimwell continues a ridge...commanding rich prospects, and adorn'd by neat cottages and genteel houses....In this row...stood our inn the Queens Head, of nice aspect; nor did it deceive us, for everything was neat and comfortable. Our baggage had been brought here from Tunbridge by a footman....After tea, and after purchasing at an elegant shop a pocket comb and shoe strings, we walk'd half a mile to the green [where they watched cricket and toured a church]. It was near dusk when we return'd....In this inn has been lately built a new large room for quarterly assemblies; and, at the back of it, a neat and pleasant bowling-green...about which we walked with our conversable landlord. We supp'd on mutton chops and apple tart; and I drank somwhat more than enough of port wine to dispell a snuffling acquired by the damp [inn] room in the morning [in Tunbridge].
