“The Horse” is a traditional village pub that dates back to 1681 and situated just off the A5 near Whilton Locks in rural Northamptonshire.

The pub features open log fires, traditional 17C low beams and a 40 seater restaurant.  The two independent lounge areas offer you varied experiences, whether you prefer the peaceful and rustic atmosphere of the restaurant area or the sociable feel of a traditional English village pub.

The White Horse, Norton can be found in the Eating Out Guide for Northamptonshire boasting both a Bar/Snack menu and Full Restaurant menu for those looking for a more substantial meal.

We are open all day to welcome our guests for lunch, dinner – and even a traditional full English breakfast at weekends.

Karen and her team extend a warm welcome to everyone – regular customers and new visitors always receive a friendly personal greeting.

There is a constantly changing programme at the pub – sporting events such as skittles tournaments, celebrations of “high days and holidays” and daily-changing specials on the menu.  The White Horse team are always keen to hear your ideas for forthcoming entertainment – let us know your thoughts via our events pages, Blog articles or contact us page.

A BIT OF HISTORY

The White Horse has been serving the people of Norton since 1766 when the first landlord, Nicholas Hyde, was recorded as being in residence.  It has naturally changed hands a few times in the almost 250 years since then!

A fascinating account of the pub’s journey through the 18th and 19th centuries hangs on a wall in the bar – an excerpt from “The White Horse, Norton” by Dylan Jones.

The building itself dates back to 1681 and a stone bearing this date can still be seen at the front of the pub. The stone almost certainly denotes the date of the three original cottages from which the White Horse building was later developed.

During  the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the pub was open at 6.00 in the morning and alcohol could be bought and consumed through to 11.00 pm – which proves our recent  ”Open All Day” laws are hardly  a new  concept!  In the 1930’s and 1940’s the pub was grandly known as “The People’s Refreshment House Association Limited” a title fortunately removed when Charles Wells took over in 1947.

Over the years, many ghosts have been sighted in The White Horse.  The resident spirit seems to be “The White Lady” who is said to wander throughout the pub in her long white robes.  Many people have reported seeing her.  A few years’ ago, one of the bar staff “saw someone” out of the corner of their eye and even offered them a drink.

More recently White Horse Manager, Karen, thought somebody was in the bar with her – and a spiritualist subsequently told her he could see a lady dressed in white standing behind her.  Apparently, this lady meant Karen no harm but thought she was in charge of the pub…  Karen thinks otherwise of course!

Have you had any apparitions when you have been in the pub?  Let us know your experiences via our blog and check out the GHOST WATCH UPDATE……