The CHEQUERS INN, Wisbech St. Mary

"Approximately a mile beyond Bunkers Hill you enter Tholomas Drove where a Free School once stood. It was built by a Quaker farmer, Francis Hardy around 1700. On the right as you pass through the hamlet you will see another ancient hostelry, the Chequers Inn. Because Tholomas Drove is geographically situated in the centre of the parish, the school and the Inn were host to many activities associated with 19th Century life in the villages. When the Parish Council was formed it originally used the old schoolroom for its meetings before transferring to the Inn. The Parish Council still meets in the Chequers Inn Clubroom."

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On the morning of 21-3-07 I met with my friend Joan for our usual Wednesday sketch day together. The icy weather was no deterrent for us as we headed towards Wisbech St Mary in Cambridgeshire. Our destination for the day was Peckover House in Wisbech, however, knowing that the house did not open it's doors until midday, we took advantage of the slip road opposite The Chequers Inn in Tholomas Drove and sketched in the comfort of Joan's car on our way.

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As the clock approached midday we headed towards Peckover House...