About Us

The Cradock Arms is one of few buildings that exists today from the little village of 'Old Knighton', dating back to the 17th century. Back then as one of only two pubs in the village, the Cradock was originally named the Bulls Head. In 1855 it was renamed "The Cradock-Hartopp Arms after the Oxford Baronet, Sir Edmond Craddock-Hartopp, who owned the hall and most of Knighton parish at that time.

It was in 1907 that TW Everard leased the pub from the Craddock family, and by 1925 it was fully transferred into the Everards estate Local rumour has it that the Craddock family bought the pub from the Church. However, after a minor argument between the local church it was agreed that the family could only have the pub if they removed one 'd' in order to remove any relationship to Craddock Church, hence the pub is only spelt with one 'd, The Cradock.

The origins of the ancient name Craddock belong to the rich Celtic tradition that comes from Wales. The surname was derived from the Welsh personal name Caradoc, meaning "amiable". This name was made famous by the ancient Welsh military leader Caratacos, whose name was Latinized as Caratacus. He was celebrated for his opposition to the Roman occupation of Britain, and was taken to Rome as a prisoner circa 51 AD.