the vine

It is known that Vine Cottage, as it was known until around 1890, was operating as a beer shop in 1847 and was run by Thomas Thame, who was a wheelwright and carpenter.

Thomas Thame was born in Didcot, however all his children were born in Long Wittenham between 1826 and 1854. He died in 1852 and his daughter Martha succeeded him in the running of the beer shop. Martha married in 1856 and her brother Thomas then took over retailing beet while continuning the familly trade as a carpenter. At this time the Vine was owned by St. Johns College, Oxford and was leased to a Mr. Field who was a brewer from Shillingford. The Enclosure maps of circa 1812 shows the cottage as being on a copyhold lease to Anne Field.

After some years as a publican and a carpenter second Thomas was succeeded by his brother Alfred

In 1889 Field and Sons, the brewers from Shillingford were taken over by Morlands of Abingdon who then leased it from St. johns. Around 1890 the Vine officially became a public house.

The Vine saw over five Landlords in the 20th century, Morlands were taken over by the brewers Green King at the beginning of this century and after recent failed business at the pub it closed in June 2006. It was bought at auction by a Mr. Muir, a local restaurateur in 2007, who intends to open it selling Indian Bangladeshi and English food.

We first became involved in the Vine in the beginning of 2009, starting work in April.

Originally to supply and fit a window to match existing and three exterior doors. Since then we have replaced and restored early 19th century wood paneling, constructed a new bar area, carried out conservation work to the timber framing, supplied new doors etc to comply with fire regulations etc. etc. etc

Extract of the above from "The Vine building analysis and appraisal" by R Croxson