Duke of Normandy

A Brief History of the
The Duke of Normandy

While many believe the village of Normandy to be named after the Duke of Normandy pub, this seems unlikely because Normandy is referred to in deeds and maps as early as 1608. In 1841 the site, where the pub now stands was a green field. By 1855 the pub was established as the Duke of Normandy and was leased to Thomas Taunton, the Guildford brewer and it was fully licensed before 1869. Taunton's brewery and public houses were taken over by Friary in 1874 and the pattern of company ownership was established. In 1991 Friary Meux sold the Duke of Normandy to Greene King plc.

The Duke of Normandy and Willey Green Stores about 1913
From 1881 to 1930 the landlords were the Carpenter family. In the 1920s and 30s Friary used to deliver to the Duke of Normandy in a steam lorry. Throughout World War II the landlord was Alf Godwin, who was in Normandy's wartime fire brigade. In 1993 the tenants Robin and Val Osborne gave the Duke of Normandy a "vigorous refurbishment" which took six weeks and cost £65,000, and decorated the walls with historical photographs of the area provided by Normandy Historians.
The Duke of Normandy in the snow
(7th April 2008)
Dennis Loline outside the Duke of Normandy in 1999, this type of bus would have passed the 'Duke' many times a day in the late 1950's and 60's
The title "Duke of Normandy" has been claimed by various Norman, French, English and British rulers from the 10th century until the present. The title refers to the region of Normandy in France and several associated islands in the English Channel.

The title of Duke of Normandy is currently held by Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, who reigns over the Channel Islands.

Succession of the Dukes of Normandy
dukes_of_normandy.pdf (19kd)

William the Conqueror (William I)

More on The Duke of Normandy and its Landlords mss245-2.pdf (12kb)


This Page as been done with the help of
Normandy Historian
Click on "Norman" for more....
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