Home > Hertfordshire > High Wych > Half Moon Half Moon
Date of photo: 1966	Picture source: John Cutting
The Half Moon was situated on High Wych Lane. This grade-II listed pub was present by 1702 and closed in 2008. It has now been converted to an Indian restaurant.
Local newspaper review by John Cutting, 1966
Twelve months ago the residents of High Wych overwhelmingly voted against a proposal to erect concrete lamp standards in the village. Traditionally the area is never, in fact, completely in the dark for, over the past two centuries, the Half Moon has shone across the village green while, beyond Glebe Cottages, the Rising Sun has steadfastly refused to set. The Half Moon was, at one time, connected to a cobblers' shop and nearby, on the other side, stood the village smithy. Some of the stables to the rear still preserve their original character and, in spite of the traffic congestion outside the inn, there lingers the peaceful atmosphere of former days. For the past six months the tenant at the Half Moon has been Dick Askins who, from the hanging baskets of flowers over the front door to the delightful decor in the bars, has firmly impressed his personality on the inn. A great enthusiast, Dick has given a lifetime of service to the community. He has always been keenly interested in the activities of the licensed victuallers and for half his 43 years in the trade he has been a committee member. For over 13 years he was chairman of the Bishop's Stortford and district branch of the association. He is vice-chairman of Sheering Parish Council and a great supporter of Essex Yeomanry Old Comrades' Association. Having joined the Yeomanry in 1938, Dick found himself, at the outbreak of war, Q.M.S. of the Harlow Battery. During the following six years he was to see service in many parts of the Middle East and his multifarious activities included the management of a coal mine in Belgium. For over 14 years Dick Askins presided over the famous Reindeer Inn at Bishop's Stortford, where the cricket club used to hold their meetings. One of the famous personalities whom he knew well was the late Rev. T. Killick who, in 1953, died at the wicket when playing in a Diocesan match. It was rather earlier, in 1661, that Samuel Pepys stayed at the Reindeer and he mentioned in his diary that the inn was, at that time, kept by Mrs. Ainsworth, a well-known procuress, who had previously been expelled from Cambridge. The Reindeer was closed down in 1959 and the panelling and bar counter were transferred to the Railway Inn at Sawbridgeworth which Dick Askins had taken over nine years before. Last year he decided to retire from the trade and settle down in his delightful house in Sheering. Unfortunately, however, misplaced enthusiasm with a bonfire rendered him roofless and he was happy to move into the Half Moon. There together with Kathleen, his wife, he has found peace and happiness. The decorations in the Half Moon are delightful. The tables, converted from kinderkins, were also at one time fittings at the Reindeer. In the saloon are a series of engravings of rural Essex from drawings by W. Bartlett which were published around 1830. There are also late 17th Century maps of Essex, Hertfordshire and Suffolk prepared by Robert Morden. The most interesting map is, however, to be seen in the public bar. It was originally bought by one of Dick's aunts in 1911 in preparation for a cycle ride from Witham to Royston. This notable expedition so impressed the young Askins that the map was framed and preserved. The legend on the map is of more than passing interest: "Crutchley's Road and Railway Map of Essex showing all the Turnpike Roads, Villages, Gentlemen's Seats, etc., etc." In the saloon are a number of photographs of High Wych Cricket Club taken only a few years ago but which are already achieving a nostalgic and vintage look. Among a collection of old tankards is one from the Albert at Witham where Dick lived as a boy. It is interesting to note from the inscription at the base of the tankard that the original name of the inn was Albert's Railway Hotel. Other souvenirs of his childhood are two old copper Johnny Walker plates which he first polished as a young boy and still finds time to preserve their golden sheen. Dick Askins enjoys meeting people and his friends come from far afield to visit him. He carries his years well and I was reminded of the poet who wrote:   "A man not old, but mellow, like a good wine."
Brewers: Ind Coope (East Anglia) Ltd
Listed building details:
House, now a P.H. C17 or earlier, remodelled in C18. Timberframed and plastered corner building facing S with 2 storeys, and 2 windows wide. Old red tile hipped roof. Rear extension under slate catslide roof. To the left (W), a single storey slate roofed addition. External gable chimney in red brick on W side. Later chimney on E. Early C19 flush sash windows with 3/3 panes and moulded architraves. 2 single storey canted bay windows with sash windows, with 2/2:3/3:2/2 panes each, linked under continuous hipped slate roof. 4-panel central door with top panels glazed. Centre now enclosed by glazed screen. Interior of Ground floor has exposed square section floor joists over the righthand room. Lefthand room, one step higher, representing the cross-wing of the earlier building: the righthand room with its E gable fireplace and inserted floor, representing hall range.
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Other Photos
Dick Askins, publican behind bar, 1966	Picture source: John Cutting
Picture source: High Wych History
Date of photo: 2008	Picture source: Stephen Harris