The Black Hat Public House Wilshamstead
The Black Hat was one of Wilshamsteads oldest public houses. It is first mentioned in surviving records in January 1777. It is thought that it was unique in as far as there are no other 'Black Hat' pubs in the country.
In the middle of the 19th century the Black Hat, being on the main road from Bedford to Luton, became a favourite venue for auction sales involving local property and land.
In 1925 trade consisted of a barrel and a half of beer per week in summer and less than a barrel in winter together with a very small amount of spirits.
In 1994 the Black Hat closed for the last time.
Replacement is magnetic.