From Plough to Pint

This historical account details Samuel Goodman's significant life transition from farming to innkeeping in mid-19th-century Devon. Facing declining agricultural yields and a changing market, Goodman, with the unwavering support of his wife Harriett, decided to sell their farm in 1860. The text examines the motivations behind this dramatic career shift, highlighting his observations of a local inn and his realisation that his skills could be applied elsewhere. It also touches upon Harriett's prior familiarity with pub life through her father, which likely eased their adaptation to their new venture. Ultimately, the narrative celebrates Goodman's success and contentment in his new role, viewing it as a form of "survival" rather than merely diversification. The piece contrasts the demands of farming with those of innkeeping, emphasising how both taught him valuable lessons about reading the world around him.