Salisbury author reveals secrets of local public house

The book is entitled The Haunch of Venison Salisbury and brings the listed venue’s social history up to date.

Author Ruby Vitorino Moody said: “The Haunch of Venison dates to 1450, which surprises many people as they believe the date is 1320. But there was another inn near that spot previously.

“I don’t think there is one other pub in the whole of Salisbury that is such a destination as the Haunch of Venison.

“For tourists, it is up there with Stonehenge, the Cathedral, and the marketplace, it is a must see.” 

She added: “I wanted to do the book as an A-Z as I thought it would be a good way to structure all the facts, but people didn’t believe there would be enough information to do that.

“But right up to the last minute when it was going to publication, I was still messaging the publisher to say can we get this fact into the book, as it’s really important? I am bound to find more things out.”

Many of the landlords appeared to have loved history and looked after the place on Minster Street.

Ruby believes there is something very special about the public house as many of the landlords were once very important people in Salisbury.

Her research was made easier because so much was written about them.

She explained: “These people got their standing because they became a part of Salisbury council and were a part of the marketplace and involved with the church.

“The Salisbury Operatic society was born there due to one landlord’s hobby and connection with theatre.”

Ruby Vitorino Moody

Politics played a significant role in the history of the venue and Salisbury Trade Union Councils were formed there.

Within the pub, there are House of Lords and House of Commons areas, and these were so named due to the political debating that took place. 

Ruby said: “The Mayor of Salisbury Tom Corbin told me about the Labour background that took place in there, which was a surprise as they were arch conservatives. I found out there was amicable debating between the two parties.

“The mayor is going to come to the book launch in his robe and I am going to give him a copy of the book for his charity.”

The Haunch of Venison still retains its original snug bar which is also known as the Horsebox. Many of the snug bars throughout Britain’s pubs were knocked down to enlarge the rooms.

As the Haunch of Venison is a listed building, this did not happen.   

Ruby said: “I have dedicated this book to the strong women who ran the pub. Too often, the name on the licence is a man and a lot of these women I feel I know.

“They are very special and helped to form the pub.”

The Haunch of Venison has a sense of mystery, with its tales of ghosts and the finding of a severed hand hidden in one of the walls, but the author believes that although she has delved deeply into the past, the sense of mystery remains.

Ruby added: “I think there is so much more to find out.”  

The book launch is part of the Salisbury History Festival and takes place at The Haunch of Venison on August 25 from 5.30pm.

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