Home > Derbyshire > Hurdlow > Bull I' Th' Thorn Bull I' Th' Thorn

Picture source: Hania Franek

The Bull I'Th' Thorn was situated on the A515. This old coaching inn closed in 2017. In 2020 the premises re-opened as a cafe.

This pub has had a variety of names over the years. Being in the middle of nowhere it's been linked to both Monyash and Earl Sterndale (although the nearest settlement is probably Hurdlow!). All census records have it as Monyash but the earlier Kelly's directories have it as in Earl Sterndale whilst later editions have it in both. It's name has also changed/evolved over the years. Already in existence, the building became a hostelry called The Bull in 1472. It's shown on a map of 1654 close to an old crossroad known as Hurdlow Thorn and is called Hurdlow House at that point. It was a significant coaching inn between Derby and Manchester through the 18th and 19th centuries. Census records have it as Hurdlow House from 1841-61, being run by William Needham. The 1871 &1881 censuses have it being run by William's son, also called William, and still called Hurdlow House. A decade later William jr is still there when it's referred to as both Hurdlow House and Bull in Thorn. 1891 census sees Mark Critchlow as a farmer and publican at Hurdlow House. By 1899 Kelly's has George Arden there, when it's called the Bull's Head. It's still the Bull's Head in the 1901census but in 1912 Kelly's George is still there – in The Bull i' th' Thorn - in Monyash. 1932 Kelly's sees James Stubbing running The Bull i' th' Thorn which has now migrated back to Earl Sterndale. It was still The Bull i' th' Thorn when it closed in 2017(ish). The place is reputedly haunted by Little Jenny, the ghost of a child plague victim from the 17th century. Have to admit that there was an abundance of spirits, but no Little Jenny, around when I attended a village cricket club's dinner there a number of years ago.

Stewart Marsh (January 2019)

My Wife and I attended a ghost hunt at this pub about 2001 organised by a paranormal society based In Nottingham.It was 7pm to 7 am next day, and we detected something there as a few strange things happened. It was an enjoyable evening/morning. The society used to visit this pub on a regular basis and this particular venue was always popular. I am sorry to hear that It has now closed as It was popular with people visiting the nearby Donkey Sanctuary.

Paul Bridge (November 2019)

From The Good Pub Guide 1983:

This well-kept and welcoming pub has a striking fourteenth-century hall as its core. It's the mock-Tudor extensions that catch your eye from the main road, so it's quite a surprise as you go in first to find the entrance with its vibrant Tudor carvings of the bull caught in the thornbush, an eagle with a freshly caught hare, and some spaniels after a rabbit, and then to walk into the handsomely panelled central room. This has old flagstones stepping gently down from the serving counter, a massive central beam among a forest of smaller ones, an elaborately carved hunting chair, fine old long settles, panelled window seats in the embrasures of the thick stone walls, a grandfather clock, and various breastplates, swords, halberds and blunderbusses. A smaller and simpler room has darts and table football. Bar food includes ploughman's (£1.10), cottage pie (£1.10), salads (£1.50), chicken in the basket (£1.50), scampi (£1.60), steak pie (£1.70) and rainbow trout (£1.90); well-kept Robinsons Best and Best Mild on handpump. The separate restaurant is set aside for large groups such as coach parties. A separate family room opens onto a terrace and a big lawn with swings, and there are wicker chairs and tables in a sheltered angle in front of the building.

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Other Photos

Picture source: Stewart Marsh

Picture source: Hania Franek