History

The Fox Revived History

Although we have only been at the premises since January we know that the original building dates back to the 1750's and first records of the pub appear to start in about 1867 when it was called ‘The Fox’ by all accounts.

In the first half of the 20th century it was renamed The Fox Inn. We have a picture showing owners at the time, Mr and Mrs Pettit, whose grandson is Roger Gregory. He lives locally and has owned Reigate Heath Garage for many years. He recalls spending his childhood at the pub and living in the adjacent Fox Cottage, now gone and replaced by the home of the locally renowned and respected Barker family, Richard, Cathy and Jack.

Other known publicans were W, Nunn who is thought to have been resident in the late 1800's and William Spicer whose family owned several pubs in and around the area and was resident at The Fox around 1930. More recently, in the 1980's, The Fox Revived was owned and run for a time by Jerry Brunning who has since developed, with his business partner Graham Price, a more extensive pub chain across England by all accounts based, in part, on his success in Norwood Hill.

There is rumour that the following a fire that caused considerable damage the original pub was renamed ‘The Fox Revived’.

Whatever the name the premises are haunted by the ghost of ‘Fred’ the Gardner! There are tales of pictures falling from walls, being turned round during the night, bottles and glasses hurtling from shelves and racks and strange noises and sightings of the old man inside and outside the building.

The longest serving member of staff has been here for 19 years. Anita Morrell can vividly recall numerous occasions when Fred has made his ghostly presence felt. Her view is that we are well liked by Fred so there are no bad ‘vibes’ and he are ‘behaving’ himself at present!

In years gone by The Fox Revived has hosted celebrities and many people from Gatwick airport, including pilots and air hostesses, and the surrounding towns and villages. Lynn and Peter are seeking to re-establish links and build up trade to once again make The Fox Revived the ‘in place’ to visit and enjoy.

Recollections, landlord history and old and new pictures are always very welcome so please contact us if you are able to expand this section of the website further.