Sporting Lodge Inns & Suites, Leigh/Warrington

History

Before 1800 the site of the hotel was a farm, surround by fruit orchards and pastures. In the 19th Century the farmer became an innkeeper and combined farming with serving ale to the local travelers. The farmer had three daughters, one of whom was courted by a local young man named Fletcher who worked for the Duke of Bridgewater at Worsley Old Hall. On his way to see the Farmers daughter, Fletcher would take his Greyhound 'Hector' Poaching on Bridgewater estate. Unfortunately he was caught by the Duke's gamekeeper, who threatened to shoot the Hector. In order to protect his favourite dog, Fletcher took him to live at the Inn where Hector lived out his days. The Inn was known as Fletchers' Hector, and indeed did become the innkeeper there.

In 1825 David Clegg took over and the inn became a popular stop for Cheshire farmers bringing salt to the mines into the district and, on their way home taking coal from the pits in Coal pit lane back to the farms. Cattledrovers from the north, bound for Leigh would also rest a while.

Josiah Stout took over in 1836 and ran the inn until the 1850's. John Stout and his wife, Katherine took over from stout and also farmed the land. When Stout died, Katherine continued with the inn until she died, then their son John took over. He ran the inn successfully for 49 years until 1932.

By 1934 the old inn had become too small for the growing trade created by the increased motor traffic now traveling between Manchester and Liverpool along the East Lancashire road (A580), together with the general development of the Neighborhood. The odd inn was demolished, Hector's Headstone was recovered and placed beneath the new building, and the new hotel was completed in 1935.

Since that time the Greyhound has offered you the best in quality and service. We have looked after all your needs and requirements and we will continue to do so well into the new Millennium.