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The Spread Eagle – a potted History The Spread Eagle Inn, is found in West Liss. Liss (previously Lys or Lyss is a village in north east Hampshire lying between Petersfield and Liphook, and is south of Alton and Selborne. The village is in the East Hampshire Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The village of Liss (or Lyss as it was known) is referenced in the Domesday book. The Village consists of an old village at West Liss and the modern village (Victorian and later), which is largely centred around the Railway station. West Liss contains most of the historical and architectural interest and is home to the Spread Eagle. The old village centre (now West Liss) is centered around Church Street and the nearby triangular patch of ground called ‘The Plestor (derived from 'playstow', or playground) which was home to the village Stocks. An ancient oak, remains, which is now entirely hollow. The Plestor is in front of the Spread Eagle Inn and opposite the glebe meadow where Liss Cricket Club Plays. Recently archaeologists have found remains of a Roman Villa just around the corner. The History of the Pub Its-self is less well documented. It is thought to have been a meeting point for Knights-Templar on their way to the south coast and the crusades, and for Nelson and Lady Hamilton as a retreat. Parts of the building date from the 15th Century, while the main structure is 18th century; of course there are stories of a resident ghost – a scullery maid, who was trapped by fire after the building caught alight . . . some claim to have seen her, while others have heard her ring the bell at the bar (or was it the landlord calling time!) |
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