History of the White Hart

The White Hart pub at 12 St Andrew's Road (opposite St Andrew’s Church) dates from the late seventeenth century, and is believed to have been the inn then known as "Joan of Headington’s". It is a listed building, and retains some of its original panelling and doors. Its outbuilding at the back (facing on to the Croft) is also listed.
In the seventeenth century, Headington was a favourite destination of Oxford academics wishing to take a walk into the country. As the present main road through the centre did not exist at this time, after reaching the top of Headington Hill they would have had to go along Cuckoo Lane. This passed close to this alehouse, which was then kept by the infamous Joan of Headington, who apparently offered students other services along with their ale.
By 1750 the inn had become more respectable and it was about this time it was given the new name of the White Hart.
In 1829 the White Hart was purchased by Hall’s Brewery.
The White Hart, which had stabling for six horses round the back, was the annual meet for the South Oxfordshire Hounds, who used to hunt around Marston. It was also a centre for the mummers. A 26 feet-deep well was discovered in the back courtyard in 1976, but it was covered for safety reasons.
The pub was owned by Six Continents in the 1990s, but was bought by Everards of Leicestershire and refurbished by them in 2003.
| Some landlords of the White Hart | |
By 1784–1802+ |
Mark Shirman (by 1784–1797) Shirman's wife Alice died in 1776, and he himself died at the age of 56 and was buried at St Andrew's churchyard on 6 August 1797. Mrs Shirman |
1808 |
Mr Carter |
Before 1830–1854 |
John Tew Tew's wife Elizabeth died at the age of 72 and was buried in St Andrew's churchyard on 3 January 1869; he lived to the age of 83 and was buried there on 8 November 1869. |
1855– 1862 |
William Berry |
1862–1891 |
William Wyatt (1863–1885) The same newspaper on 30 October 1875 reported: "William Wyatt, landlord of the White Hart, Headington, was charged with opening his house for the sale of intoxicating liquors at a quarter past two on the morning of the 1st inst. – P.C. Harrison proved the case, and the defendant was fined 8s. 6d. only, and 11s. 6d. costs, in consideration of his good character." Wyatt features widely in the Headington Parish Magazines during his tenure. He supplied tea for 400 in a tent at the Harvest Festival in 1872, and a Christmas treat for the choir consisting of beer and a "substantial hot repast" in 1877, at 3s.6d a head (but the choir ordered extra beer, gin and whiskey for themselves, which did not please the Vicar, who refused to pay). Wyatt also provided tea and cake for 280 children at the Field School at their school treat in 1878. He died at the the White Hart at age of 56 on 17 January 1885, and was buried at St Andrew's churchyard three days later. Mrs Sarah Wyatt (1885–1890) Miss Sarah
Anne Wyatt (1891 only). Sarah won prizes for her flower arranging at the Headington Horticultural shows of 1886 and 1887 |
1891– 1949 |
Charles Francis Thomas (1891– 1927) William John Thomas (1928–1949) |
1950–1963 |
Charles H. Huckin |
1963 to 1967 |
Mr Hanks |
1967–2000 |
Maurice K. Jacobs |
2000–2002 |
Tim Hall |
2002–2003 |
Neil Pigg |
2003 |
Linda Vinall and Dick Underwood |