The Horse & Groom once stood on the edge of the brook, beside the three arched Salt Bridge built in 1772. The bridge led from Rochford into Eastwood. The Horse & Groom, being on the other side of the bridge, was in the parish of Eastwood. Nevertheless, it played an important part in the life of Rochford. It was at the Horse & Groom that the bailiff of the Manor of Rochford Hall collected the rents from Eastwood parish. After the tithes had been collected, a grand meal of pigeon pie was enjoyed. The pigeons had been acquired by the old shepherd from the huge dovecote at the Hall and carried to the inn hidden in the pockets of his greatcoat.