Standing beside the churchyard of St Chad’s Church, the Thatched House is one of Poulton-le-Fylde’s best-known and most recognisable historic inns. For more than two centuries it has welcomed travellers, townspeople and market visitors, its prominent position at the corner of Ball Street and Chapel Street making it an enduring feature of the town’s historic centre. Although the present building dates from the early twentieth century, the history of the inn stretches back much further. The earliest confirmed reference to the inn dates from 1793, when it occupied the same site adjoining the churchyard. Some historians believe the original tavern…