John Cecil Paget

John Cecil Paget, known simply as “Cecil” and to his closer friends as “Mouldy” was a larger-than-life character who brought a unique flair to The Bull Inn during his time as landlord from 1922 to 1928. He purchased the establishment from Willie Miles, stepping into a legacy steeped in equestrian history with a decidedly modern twist.

Born in Bow, East London, in 1871, Cecil was the son of John Paget, a canvas merchant. By the time of the 1911 census, Cecil was listed as a tent maker—an early indication of his practical expertise with waterproof materials. By 1922, he had transitioned into a successful career as a sports outfitter, combining his trade knowledge with his passion for cycling.

Cecil was a dedicated cyclist and held several long-distance records, including the London to Bath and London to Brighton routes. His background in canvas and cycling naturally led to the development of a line of cycling apparel. His innovations included a specially designed cycling cape and a variety of waterproof gear such as gloves, coats, boots, trousers, and other cycling accessories.

This business evidently thrived, eventually enabling him to purchase The Bull. His reputation as both a cycling enthusiast and successful outfitter was cemented when a blue plaque was awarded to his former residence in Eaton Socon, St Neots, where he lived from 1928 to 1941.

One particularly striking image from his time at The Bull captures Cecil, his wife Verena, and friends posed atop their Rolls-Royce in the rear courtyard. It's a scene thick with irony—given that the rise of the motorcar had been a major factor in the decline of the Miles family’s horse-trading empire, which had once defined The Bull’s legacy.