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	Picture source: M.Wraight
The Plough was situated on Turkey Street. This pub was demolished in October 2002 by Fairview Homes, the day before it was due to be assessed by English Heritage
This once beautiful old inn (17th Century), had for centuries, until the start of the new millenium, stood on the north side of Turkey Street at the junction of what is now Elsinge Road. Situated around one hundred yards down on the eastern half of Turkey Street, now split by the A10 (Gt Cambridge Road). Purchased and demolished overnight by an unscrupulous local building company to beat the listed building status that the pub was only hours away from acquiring and indifferent to the face of stunned local opposition, the site is now occupied by a block of ugly and hastily built flats. This important historical gem captured and held all the ingredients and atmosphere of an epicurian drinking establishment, a typical family English country pub that was a pleasure for many to patronise. The building itself was long low and rickety with staggered bay seating windows. The roof was clad in old black slate with the outside being mainly white washed over the years. Two tiny glass panelled entrance doors led into the two separated bars both with very low beamed ceilings. The floors sloped off in different directions which could give the impression of being on a ship (especially after a few beers!) Throughout the 1960s/70s the charm of this pub was enhanced not only by the jolly red faced Landlord who's name was Bill, but by the family like atmosphere that prevailed within. Each bar had an old red brick fireplace that were always stacked with logs and roaring away. A certain old character could always be found seated in a high backed Rocking chair next to the fire puffing contently on his pipe. Dominos, Crib, and various Card games were always on the go in the tranquil little nooks and crannies. Outside just to the left (facing) there used to be a gazebo like structure with benches underneath that was entwined by an old mullberry tree probably as old as the pub itself. There was also a substantial garden on the left of the pub that bloomed with scented roses during the summer. Sadly, like many traditional pubs, the Plough took a rapid down turn during the1990s when ultra loud music, flashing fruit machines and garish vulgar slapdash colour's appeared both inside and out. The fires that were still there, were never lit again, but, perhaps the greatest shame and crime to the community as a whole, was the selfish destruction of a classic building and pub (with potential) that had stood there for four hundred years, that could never be built or enjoyed again.
Michael Wraighte (June 2014)
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Other Photos
Picture source: Jackie Parker
Picture source: Jackie Parker