HMS Mercury. This pub, affectionately known as "The Pinky", was the local used by WRNS personnel accommodated in Soberton Towers from 1943 to 1971 and who were training at HMS Mercury, the Royal Navy Communications and Navigation School that occupied the 120 acre Leydene Estate 2 miles north-east of here, from 1941 to 1993. Personnel from HMS Mercury were also frequent visitors.