Volunteer Inn

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"V" is for "Volunteer Inn" and today's photo shows, er... well, it shows Kenworthy's Funeral Services on Old Street in Ashton.

This might seem a surprising choice of location to photograph a "V" post, until you know that the building was originally the Volunteer Inn.

The pub itself was originally housed in a building dating from the 18th century, but was re-built in its present form in 1887. It is across the road from The Armoury, the drill hall for the volunteer regiment, seen here, and this gave rise to the pub's name.

It was only ever licensed as a beerhouse (i.e. not able to sell wines and spirits). It closed in 1956. The licensing officer had described it as "unattractive" and commented that it did little trade and was only used by Territorial Army soldiers. It was also noted that there were 39 licensed premises within a quarter of a mile!

The building became two shops and more recently a funeral directors. It was for sale when the photo was taken a few weeks ago.

See Birds Eye View of this location.

See Google Street View of this location.

"Volunteer Inn" is a contribution to ABC Wednesday. For more "V" posts from around the world please follow this link.