The Historic Pig And Whistle

The Inn was built next to the Forge, in which Thomas Hartley continued to run his blacksmith business. Bathurst was geographically situated as a stopping place for wagon travellers. There was a smithy, a farrier, provisions and someone to extract a troublesome tooth. This was done by the blacksmith with his pliers After settling in Clumber in 1820, Thomas Hartley moved into Bathurst, building a dwelling on Lot 8 next to his forge in 1825. The Inn was built in 1825. The Inn, which was in operation by January, still stands substantially intact. The Proprietor had such regard for the quality of his guests that the rooms were described as Subscription Rooms for Gentlemen and guests included Lord Charles Somerset, the Governor of the Cape, and Sir Benjamin DUrban. From 1832 surgeon Ambrose Campbell, riding from Grahamstown, attended consultations on the first Saturday of the month. After Thomas Hartleys death in 1840 his widow, Sarah, took over the running of the Inn and made its hospitality famous. It was then known as Widow Hartleys Inn and visiting dignitaries and Government officials sought accommodation at the Inn. In 1847 the Governor General, Sir Henry Pottinger, stayed at the Inn and entertained the Chaplain, the Magistrate and the Post Commander. In 1848 the Governor General, Sir Harry Smith, stayed at the Inn.