The Willoughby Arms

We came across the stately Willoughby Arms as we were driving through the small village of Little Bytham in Lincolnshire, East Midlands.  I stopped and took a photo, as I knew that I’d want to paint it.
Situated opposite the village railway station, The Willoughby Arms was originally known as The Steam Plough Inn.  Built in 1853, it started life as the booking office and waiting room for a private stretch of railway line owned by the 21st Lord Willoughby of Grimsthorpe.  The railway tracks were established by Lord Willoughby in 1855, and ran to the Castle at Edenham and served five trains per day.
Regular traffic on the main railway line ran during the age of steam engines, and included the Flying Scotsman and the Sir Nigel Gresley.  The Flying Scotsman held the speed record for steam engines for some time, before being eclipsed by The Mallard – which became the world’s fastest steam locomotive, reaching a speed of 126.5 miles per hour on the rails outside of Little Bytham.
As well as supporting the rail industry, The Willoughby Arms and its outbuildings have been used as a water tower, butcher shop and an abattoir located in a nearby bungalow.  To this day, the field in back is known as Slaughterhouse Field.
This original artwork was created in a 18 x 24 inch size, and has been professionally matted and framed so it is ready to hang.
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