The buildings that are now 'The Bridge Inn at Horton' were originally built around 1800, and at the time were a busy family run farm.  The property was almost certainly owned by one of the wealthy wool merchants who prospered in Wiltshire during the early 19th century wool boom.

Horton is an Anglo-Saxon word meaning ‘wet place’ and the pub takes its name from the adjacent grade II listed bridge, which crosses the Kennet and Avon Canal. 

The pub is within the Parish of Bishops Cannings, situated on the edge of the Vale of Pewsey  which is an AONB (area of outstanding natural beauty).

When the Kennet and Avon Canal was opened in 1810, the premises were extended to accommodate a flour mill and bakery. The wheat was transported by working barges along this new link between the river Thames in the east and the river Avon in the West. One wall of the outbuildings still shows evidence of where the bread ovens and chimney were situated.

As the canal developed, the building evolved into a public house serving Devizes brewed ales, and was eventually acquired by the Wadworth Brewery.  

It has been told that the ghost of Jane Sloper, a 19th century landlady of The Bridge Inn, has been present on some occasions. (source: Haunted Wiltshire).

An extension was built in recent years to enable the pub to become a popular eating establishment which now serves a good selection of Wadworth real ales and a range of quality wines.

An asset of The Bridge Inn has always been its proximity to the canal. Nowadays boaters, canoeists, walkers, cyclists, locals and tourists can come together to enjoy the stunning views of the canal and surrounding countryside from the garden. And who wouldn’t enjoy a cosy fire and warm welcome on days when the weather is less kind.

The pub has visitor moorings for five boats, for a maximum stay of 24 hours.

The Kennet & Avon Canal History

The canal was built between 1796 and 1810 and opened  during the early part of 1811. to facilitate a more direct and safe route for barges carrying coal, stone and other goods from London to Bristol.

The Canal declined and fell into dereliction after the London-Bristol railway was opened in 1841. 

During the 1960s, 70s and 80s it was restored and is now used as a leisure facility, for walking, canal boat trips, cycling, fishing and canoeing. The canal is now both owned and managed by British Waterways, while the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust aims to safeguard and enhance the canal for future generations.

87 miles long it connects the rivers Avon and Thames, forming an inland waterway link between Bristol and London. The Devizes to Pewsey section, which passes The Bridge at Horton, is a famous and beautiful walk.