Mounting Block

The mounting block, likely dating from the 17th century and potentially the 16th century, is situated off West End, between parking spaces in front of The Thatch Public House. It is constructed from a single piece of sandstone, carved into four steps rising to the northwest. The steps have been significantly worn through use; the bottom step appears to have broken off and is partially buried. Scrape marks are visible on the southwest side, and concrete repairs are present on the northeast and northwest sides. A 20th-century plaque affixed to the northeast side states that the block is all that remains of the Old Thatch House Tavern, which was allegedly erected in 1535.

This was likely placed to serve The Thatch House Tavern, a building with probable 17th-century and possible 16th-century origins. The tavern sustained fire damage in 1886 and was subsequently rebuilt, remaining in use as a public house. The mounting block is shown on a Town Plan from 1855 in its current position. It was removed and nearly lost in the 1970s, but was recovered and reset to its original location.