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The Pub
The common land that delivers such wonderful walks between three National Trust estates was once a golf course and is also the key to why the pub has such an unusual name.
The village pub with a unique sign
There appears then to be a typo in our village pub name, or at least a misunderstanding of its meaning.
In the 18th century, the title ‘Baron le Despencer’ was held by the person responsible for dispensing funds or services on behalf of the King. Francis Dashwood had briefly held the position of Chancellor of the Exchequer while in Parliament, and on retiring he took the title 11th Baron le Despencer, previously held by his uncle.
Dashwood’s name will always be linked to that of the infamous Hell-Fire Club which met in the caves at West Wycombe and was associated with orgies of drunkenness and devil worship. There is no doubt some myth surrounding Dashwood’s life and promiscuous behaviour, and the allegations of devil worship may have had more to do with his parties designed to lampoon Catholicism in earlier times.
The common's sporting past
You may pass a terrace and a pair of cottages on your way to visit the 'Le De', called Golf Links Cottages and Golf Link Villas and wondered how they came by those names?
Between the wars that part of Downley Common, which is still largely open today, was a nine hole golf course and opposite the gates to the course used to stand a pub called The Golf Links. Some years ago Frank Hyde one of our old regulars, left a pencil sketch in the pub of the course layout as it was in 1939. That layout is replicated alongside.
At one time customers may have been leaning over the front gate of the 'Le De' watching play on the fairway to the eighth hole.
Fresh air, exercise and great refreshments
The Le De is a very popular venue for ramblers and cyclists. Groups frequently pre-order meals before setting out to be sure of their preferred refreshments on their return. When booked in we can make our car park available to groups who want to set out before opening time.
Below are three pdf maps of local walks to download
Chiltern Society Walks Local To Downley
Chilterns ANOB Hugenden and Downley Walk
Friends of Naphill Common Short Local Walk
Click here to buy a further walking maps from the Chiltern Society - No 12 is local to Downley
