Exeter. Established in the early 18th century as a coaching inn, it served as a vital stop on the route from Tiverton. It was rebuilt in 1788 after a fire. In 1804 a Private Evans stole several hogs heads (54 imperial gallons) of beer with six accomplices by carrying it away in buckets after lifting a door off of its hinges. During most of the 19th century the license was held by Paul Collings and other members of his family. Collings was a soldier in the British Army and served in the Peninsular War and at the Battle of Waterloo. At the inn he provided post horses, coaches, and funeral carriages. In 1836 he invented a safety brake that prevented wagons and coaches from running downhill. Inside is a large seating area divided into rooms under wood beamed ceilings, served by a long bar. A Greene King pub, I grabbed a Yardbird Pale Ale (brewed with my favorite Simcoe, Citra, and Centennial hops) and headed out back to enjoy a sunny day in the lovely beer garden.