Hit or Miss

Name: The Hit or Miss

Address: Wales End (Short Lane), Barton-under-Needwood

The Hit or Miss was a coaching inn located down a short private drive off Short Lane near to its junction with Wales Lane.  The whole of this area was known as Wales End in the 1800's and the property's fairly remote location may account for its name and probable unpredictable trade.

The only references I can find to the Hit or Miss are on the 1841 census when William Bates was listed as the publican and in 1861 when James Harvey was listed as the beer house keeper.

1841 Census

The Hit or Miss these days is a private residence known as "The Manor".

It is located next to the public footpath from Collinson Park to Short Lane, adjacent to the the field, which now has the health centre built over it.

Hit or Miss on Google Earth

1861 Census

1862 Directory Retailers of Beer

Whilst James Harvey is listed in the 1862 directory there is no trace of him in the village by the time of the 1871 census and at this time, I can find no further reference to the Inn. The building still exists, situated off Short Lane but has long since been a private dwelling occupied by the Astles and Hopleys in more recent times.