When I think of the pubs in Ashton upon Mersey, The Buck immediately springs to mind. It’s more than just a place to grab a pint; it feels like a cornerstone of the village, steeped in so much history that I can almost feel the past within its walls.

I know The Buck has been here for a very long time, apparently dating back to the early 1700s. Just imagining all the lives that have passed through its doors over the centuries gives me a real sense of connection to the past. I’ve heard that for a while it was even known as ‘The Dog and Buck,’ which sparks my imagination about what that might have meant or symbolised back then.

What really fascinates me is its more serious past. I’ve learned that in the 1800s, this very building served as a courthouse, and one of its cellars was even the village gaol! It’s wild to think that people were brought here, judged, and perhaps even held prisoner right beneath my feet as I enjoy a drink. I’ve also heard the legend of an underground tunnel connecting the gaol to St Martin’s Church, supposedly used to lead prisoners to the stocks that were once on the forecourt. While the tunnel is now sealed, that story really brings the history to life for me.

I can just picture the annual Ashton upon Mersey wakes, with all the excitement and bustle around The Buck. I imagine villagers and visitors gathering from miles around for feasting, races, and games like ‘grinning through a horse collar’ or donkey racing. It sounds like a truly vibrant and chaotic time, with The Buck right at the heart of it all. It’s a sobering thought, though, to remember that even barbaric practices like bull baiting were part of those festivities, drawing large crowds right here.

I’ve also read about the various licensees who ran The Buck over the years, and some of the colourful characters and challenges they faced. It seems like it wasn’t always an easy job, with reports of “rowdy people – poachers, thieves and others” frequenting the inn in the late 19th century. I can almost hear the clamour and commotion, a far cry from the more relaxed atmosphere I experience today.

Stepping into The Buck now, I find it to be a classic pub environment. I appreciate that it’s still very much a local, welcoming families, couples, and friends. I like that it retains that feeling of being a hub for the community. I enjoy knowing that I’m sitting in a place that has seen so much history unfold, from legal proceedings and village celebrations to the everyday comings and goings of generations.

So, when I’m at The Buck, I don’t just see a pub. I see layers of history, the echoes of past lives, and a testament to the enduring spirit of Ashton upon Mersey. It’s a connection to our roots, and for me, that makes every visit a little more special.