Rodbourne Road 

The Dolphin Pub, Rodbourne Road circa 1880 - and as it is today.

Arkell's were ready to answer a social need when they bought part
of Northlaines Farm from Reverend S Bellas and built The Dolphin in 1872 to serve the workers of the fast-expanding GWR.

 

In particular, note the lack of housing around the original building and the extension now part of The Dolphin today.

 

In the early days of the pub, special licences were occasionally granted so that it could open between 4am and 6am on 'Trip' days when the town's railway employees and their families departed, en masse, on holiday.

 

At the turn of the century there were pleasure gardens on the site of the current car park and - weather permitting - dancing took place every Saturday night from 7pm to 10pm.