THE ANGEL High Street, Purton SN5 4AB Tel: 01793 770248

Who goes there?

The Angel is the hub of the village and as busy as ever. But far from being a pub frequented only by locals, the Angel enjoys a stream of visitors from Swindon, whose borders have crept ever closer to the village.

As well as place to eat and drink, it is a place for families and friends to meet. That is why The Angel’s function room is now available to hire.

What’s it like?

For centuries The Angel has been a focal point of the village of Purton – and not just because its customers have always been guaranteed a cosy welcome.

The building dates back to 1704 and an inn probably stood on the same spot before then. At one time the landlord brewed his own beer, and it must have been made on a grand scale for legend has it that 6,000 gallons of it were sold during one 18th century Purton fair.

What is certain is that Purton folk considered The Angel to be far more than a simple pub. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries the local magistrates met there monthly and it was inside the same four walls that the Purton Friendly Society was founded in 1787.

Arkell’s bought the pub in 1884 for £1,200. By 1910 it was being advertised as “good accommodation for hunting gentlemen”.

Prices?

3B £3, Moonlight £3.10, Wiltshire Gold £3.10. A medium glass of house wine is £4. A large glass is £5.