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For
example, did you know that legendary writer and actor Noel Coward
used to serve behind the bar at the Northey Arms in Box?
The
Wiltshire Community History Website includes a section featuring
questions frequently asked by members of the public, which has brought
some fascinating stories to light.
Among
the questions asked recently was one about Noel Coward's regular
visits to Box.
Coward
- who wrote the film classic Brief Encounter and the well-known
song Mad Dogs and Englishmen and played crime boss Mr Bridger
in the original film of The Italian Job - regularly visited
his friend Maisie Gay, who owned the Northey Arms in Box between
the First and Second World Wars.
Actors
and other people who worked in the theatre often visited Maisie,
a music hall artist, at the pub.
Some
of them amused themselves by serving behind the bar, including Noel
Coward.
Local
studies librarian, Mike Marshman, said: "We have received inquiries
from all over the world - from local people in Trowbridge to inquiries
from as far away as Australia and New Zealand.
"Many
of the questions we are asked throw up some very interesting stories
and show what a fascinating history the county has, beyond the better
known aspects such as Stonehenge and Avebury."
The
Wiltshire Community History website aims to map out the history
of every single town and village in the county over the next few
years.
Many
communities are already featured on the site, which also features
more than 2000 images, including maps, prints and photographs.
The
Wiltshire Community History website can be visited at www.wiltshire.gov.uk
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more to this story
David Hartland
My Grandmother used to work at the Northey Arms for Maisie Gay and my Grandfather {Victor Colson} used to be her Chaufeur
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