The Bear
Article date: 06 Jul 2012
For its new pub in Melksham, Wetherspoon has retained the name – The Bear.
The Bear, managed by Matthew Humphries (pictured with town crier Peter Dauncey, mayor Chris Petty (and wife Helen), as well as deputy mayor Terri Welch and staff), is a long-time feature of the town and is believed to date from the second half of the 18th century. A former coaching inn, it was also a posting house until the late 19th century.
The Bear features commissioned artwork by local artists: an abstract feather piece, by Claire Norrington, relates to Sawtells Feather Factory; there’s also a painting of a local factory, by Barry Diaper.