Lurgashall

In 1557 a village inn was built at the side of the Green, probably with funds provided by the Manor. At first it had no name at all, since it was not necessary to distinguish it from any other, but since records began in about 1700, it has been known as The Noah's Ark. It is said to have acquired this unusual name because a pond was once outside the door, which patrons had to cross to refresh themselves, giving the impression of animals crossing into the Ark before the deluge.

With the inn was built a brew house, which continued for over 350 years to brew its own beer, which was delivered to other inns in the district. As well as brewing beer, The Noah's Ark baked bread for the village, giving rise to the jingle:"For well-baked bread and home-brewed ale, you must come to Lurgashale." The inn became the centre of village life – local meetings were held there, it provided refreshments for the Midsummer Fair held each year, it was the local headquarters of the Swing Riots of 1830, and it has refreshed cricket and football teams after their matches.

In 1871, The Noah's Ark was sold to an Arundel brewery and brewing on the premises ceased. In 1906 it was sold again to the Eagle Brewery, for the price of £1,250.00. Fifteen years later it was sold a third time, to Friary, Holroyde and Healy, which owned it until 1990, when the brewers Greene King took over. For over thirty years, the inn has played host to a summer theatrical production. Started in 1967, this venture received a boost when the late Tad Swannell took over the inn in 1970. His participation resulted in an extension of the run from the original one night to three, which has been continued by his successors.

The Rev A. A. Evans wrote in 'A Countryman's Diary':"This was Lurgashall. have been to it several times since and with heightened appreciation... its beauty increases with familiarity, it endures, while the merely catchy and trivial wear away".