Inns and Hotels


Ashburton had 14 fully licensed premises and two beerhouses. That was 1 to every 155 of the population.
Testimony by P S Broughton at the 1912 licensing sessions, Western Times 6 March 1912 p3 col6

1679. Joseph Workeman, inn-holder, Ashburton, is one of those named in a lease for a property 'late Hearth's and Attwill's, next Plymouth-Ashburton highway.'
Devon Heritage Centre 316M/0/TL/A/38 https://devon-cat.swheritage.org.uk/records/316M/0/TL/A/38 - accessed 04-03-2024

1844 '...and all those three public houses called the Old Bottle the Duke's Head and the Royal Oak'
Bequeathed in his will by Solomon Tozer, maltster, to Solomon Tozer the Younger.
Will of Solomon Tozer, 17 May 1844 PROB 11/1999/180 National Archives, https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/results/r?_q=Solomon+Tozer&_sd=&_ed=&_hb= - accessed 20-01-2021

'The plough, the loom and the sail' (An old toast)
Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, 2 December 1864, p6, col5


In 1841 sixty-four elderly men were given a dinner by four innkeepers: Bowden, Lukey, Perkings and Smerdon. The ages of the sixty-four added up to 4473.
'Thus ended one of the happiest weeks the Ashburton Reformers ever witnessed'.

Western Times 31 July 1841  p 2 col 4. 

The above innkeepers were at these inns in the 1840s

Bowden - The Exeter Inn

Lukey - The Red Lion

Perkings - The Golden Fleece

Smerdon - The Culloden Inn

1848 The churchwarden, Mr Cockey, took John Luscombe, a beer retailer, to court for selling liquor during the hours of Divine Service. 11 men had been found drinking beer and cider in the defendant's kitchen at 11.30 am on a Sunday. The chairman, fining Luscombe 10s with costs, said that other churchwardens should be as vigilant.
Exeter and Plymouth Gazette 2 September 1848, p7, col3

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                                                 Barnstaple Inn
'There sprung up a pack-horse traffic from Barnstaple and Bideford, through Chagford to Ashburton, and on to Brixham...The old Barnstaple Inn, in North Street, Ashburton, was the resting-place here...'
P F S Amery, Sketch of Ashburton and teh Woollen Trade, Transactions of the Devonshire Association, vol8, 1876, p329

1807 A probate copy will for George Monday of Stoke Damerel mentions a house in North Street formerly known as the Barnsta___ Inn.
Devon Heritage Centre ref 146B/T/3
http://devon-cat.swheritage.org.uk/records/146B/0/T/3

1854 The Barnstaple Inn and other properties are mentioned in North Street
Devon Heritage Centre ref 924B/E/4/1/1
https://devon-cat.swheritage.org.uk/records/924B/E/4/1/1
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                                                          Bay Horse Inn, North Street


1873 James Wills, innkeeper of North Street, was fined 5s and 6s costs for leaving his trap outside his door for 3 hours.
Western Times 25 February 1873 p8 col5

In his memories of Ashburton in late Victorian days, Professor John Satterly recalled that some innkeepers had been abroad. Mr and Mrs Wills had a small library, and 'she told me that she knew the road in Australia from Adelaide to Kooring Burra Burra better than she knew the road from Ashburton to Totnes.'
John Satterly, Memories of Ashburton in Late Victorian Days, Transactions of the Devonshire Association, vol84, Torquay 1952, p25

In the 1881 census James H Wills, oil dealer, is living in North Street. He was born in Ashburton, and his wife Lavinia G in London. Their eldest daughter Blanche L Wills was born in Blanch Town, Australia.
1881 census RG11, piece 2161, folio 33, p21

James Wills of the Bay Horse Inn, died on December 14th 1890 aged 58. (James Henry Wills, aged 56 according to FreeBMD)
Western Times 17 December 1890 p2 col5
https://www.freebmd.org.uk

1890 James Wills was granted a temporary transfer of the licence from his late father. 

The Bay Horse is described as a beerhouse when the licence is transferred from Mrs L C Wills to her son James Henry Wills.
Exeter and Plymouth Gazette 22 December 1890 p8 col1
Western Times 6 March 1891 p7 col2


In 1891 the licence was transferred from James H Wills to Edward Matthews.
Western Times 4 December 1891 p7 col5

1892 The licence is transferred to John Eggings
Western Times 8 April 1892 p8 col5


Richard Brooking had been granted the licence of the Bay Horse, but the licence was revoked at the 1893 licensing session, after it was found that he had been convicted of illegal fishing. Mr Windeatt appealed the decision, but with no success.
Western Times 23 August 1893 p2 col4

In September Mr Windeatt, on behalf of the Paignton Brewery Company, successfully applied for the licence to be transferred to John Webber, previously at the Rose and Crown.
Exeter Flying Post 30 September p2 col2

John Webber died March 27th 1896
Western Times 2 April 1896 p5 col4

John Cooper is granted the licence in 1899

And is Innkeeper here in the 1901 census.
And John Cooper is listed as a beer retailer in North Street in Kelly's Directory 1902
Western Times 21 April 1899 p6 col5
http://www.findmypast.co.uk/
Kelly's Directory of Devon & Cornwall, 1902, Part 1: Devon p32             

1910 Bessie Elford, landlady of the Bay Horse, gave evidence into an enquiry regarding the death of Priscilla Small

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette 25 January 1910 p6 col4

See the Crime and punishment section of Ashburton in Peril for more on the death of Priscilla Small.

 Bessie Elford, head of house, is shown as the wife of a house painter and innkeeper in the 1911 census.
http://ancestry.co.uk/

1935 A E Short is listed at the Bay Horse in Kelly's Directory
Kelly's Directory of Devonshire 1935, p36

Above: The Bay Horse Inn
My own photograph circa 2014    

                                                 
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                                                                    Blue Anchor


Christopher Preston is listed in Victuallers Recognizances for Ashburton 1826
Victuallers Recognizances, ref QS/63/7/10/006http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk, South West Heritage Trust.

1841 Preston's Blue Anchor was the venue for a meeting of the Conservative Association.
Exeter and Plymouth Gazette 27 February 1841 p3 col4
Christopher Preston, aged 60-64 is shown as a publican in East Street in the 1841 census, living with his wife Mary.
http://ancestry.co.uk
  
In February 1851 the Blue Anchor Public House, together with the Seven Stars and other houses in East House, is property mentioned in an Assignment in Trust. The document is held at the Devon Heritage Centre.
Devon Heritage Centre ref 5047M/F/2
http://devon-cat.swheritage.org.uk/records/5047M/F/2

In 1933, after the death of Miss A A Lamason, Rendell and Sawdye were auctioning various properties in Ashburton. One of them was 14 East Street, otherwise known as Blue Anchor House. This may once have been the Blue Anchor Public House, but when Christopher Preston was a publican on the 1841 census the property he was occupying appears to be further up the street.
Western Morning News 19 August 1933, p4 col1

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                                                                  Commercial Inn, North Street
See also The New Bottle Inn, below

1878 James Hannaford Honywill is wine and spirit merchant and victualler here.White's History, Gazetteer and Directory of Devon, 1878-79, p109

7 North Street *. Meetings of the masons were held here from 1887
Lane's Masonic Records 1717 - 1894 http://www.hrionline.ac.uk/lane/

James H Honeywill is a maltster brewer (?) in the 1881 census at the Commercial Inn

William Edward Sawdye advertises good accommodation for visitors and travellers in 1902.
Kelly's Directory of Devon & Cornwall, 1902, Part 1: Devon , p33

George Avery is a licensed victualler here in the 1911 census

In 1912 compensation claims were made for various licensed premises whose licences had not been renewed because they were considered redundant. The Commercial Inn was one of them. The owner was Wm Hy Mortimore and the licensee Mr George Avery. The committee agreed to £375, with £18 going to Mr Avery.
Western Times 27 August 1912 p8 col6

The Commerical Hotel, formerly a licensed premises, was auctioned at the Golden Lion in 1912. Mr Clark, of Buckfastleigh, bought it for £375.
Western Times 25 October 1912, p12 col3

In April 1913 the Liberal Club moved to new premises here. There is a reference to Mr Andrews previously owning it as a hotel.
Western Times 18 April 1913 p11 col4
* 7 North St - the newspaper item has a photograph. For more on both of the above uses for the inn, see the Join the Club sub-section of Gathering Together.


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                                                   Crispin's Inn

1824 and 1825 Alice Husson, Crispin Inn
Quarter sessions Victuallers' Recognizances, Devon Heritage Centre ref QS/63/3/12/003

Quarter sessions Victuallers' Recognizances, Devon Heritage Centre ref QS/63/5/06/001

1825 William Stidston, Crespin Inn.
Quarter sessions Victuallers' Recognizances* Devon Heritage Centre ref QS/63/5/02/001
*A bond whereby a licensee pledged to abide by the licensing acts and keep good behaviour in his inn.

1825 Thomas Barows, Chrispen Inn
Quarter sessions Victuallers' Recognizances, Devon Heritage Centre ref QS/63/5/01/140

1838 An inquest on William French was held at the Crispin Inn, Ashburton.
Exeter and Plymouth Gazette 29 December 1838 p3 col5

For more details, see the Rich and Poor section of People and Properties.

Alice Husson is listed as landlady in Pigot's 1844 directory.
Pigot's Directory of Berks, Bucks etc. 1844 p6
 

 A fire at the workshops of Mr Headon, Tallow chandler, spread to the stables and lofts of Mr Husson's Crispin Inn. Both premises are described as being near to the Arch and Gallant Square, at the back of North Street.
Western Times 21 October 1843 p3 col5

About 40 members of the Oddfellows were about to form a lodge on March 3rd, 1845, assembling at Husson's Crispin Inn, North Street.
1846 Husson's Crispin Inn was again the venue for the Oddfellows' anniversary dinner.
Western Times 1 Mar 1845 p4 col 3
Exeter Flying Post 12 March 1846 p3 col5

It seems likely that Husson's Crispin Inn became the Globe Inn (also described as Husson's), later the same year. See below.  

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                                                 The Cross Inn

In his will, catalogued under the name Sewter in National Archives, John Sowter says: 'I give and bequeath unto my dear wife Hester all that my messuage or mansion wherein I now dwell with garden and other appurtenances thereto belonging situate and lying within the Borough of Ashburton aforesaid in the south side of a street there called the East Street opposite to the Cross ...
I also give and devise unto my said son Jno Sowter and his heirs for ever all that mansion house called the Cross Inn in Ashburton aforesaid with the stables and other outhouses and two closes called the Roboroughs and the orchard and other appurtenances thereunto belonging...'
Ref PROB 11/575/434, National Archives, will of John Sewter, August 1720,  http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/results/r?_q=John+Sewter+Ashburton&_sd=&_ed=&_hb= - accessed 20-09-2020

It seems likely that John Sowter's house opposite the Cross is close to the Cross Inn.

A marriage settlement in 1826 (between Monday and Bawden) concerns a house near the market cross, and again it seems likely that the Cross and the market cross are one and the same.
Ref
924B/F/2/20, Devon Heritage Centre
http://devon-cat.swheritage.org.uk/records/924B/F/2/20

See also Crosses and Holy Wells under Chruches and Memorials
For more on John Sowter see People and Properties 1700s

                                                 Culloden Inn

Jonathan Luscombe is listed under Victuallers' Recognizances (ie bonds for ensuring good behaviour at alehouses) at Coloden in 1824

http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk, ref
QS/63/3/12/039 , held at the Devon Heritage Trust

Thomas Luscombe is listed at Culloden in 1826 (ref QS/63/7/10/018), and Jonathan Luscombe at Calloden in 1827 (ref QS/63/7/06/005)

Jonathan Luscombe, aged 69, died in June 1844, after a long illness. For many years he had been the landlord of the Culloden Inn.
Western Times 22 June 1844, p3 col1

John Smerdon is listed as landlord in Pigot's 1844 directory.
And is still there in White's 1850 directory
Pigot's Directory of Berks, Bucks etc. 1844 p6
History, gazetteer and directory of Devonshire, William White, 1850 p466. Freely available on http://books.google.co.uk - Accessed 25-9-2014

John Smerdon died aged 60 February 4th 1851
Exeter and Plymouth Gazette 8 February 1851 p5 col6 

Jane Smerdon is listed as landlady in Slater's 1852/53 directory.
Slater's Directory of Berks, Cornwall, Devon etc 1852-53 p7
 

William Huxham is an innkeeper here in the 1861 census
http://www.freecen.org.uk

1878 Joseph Winsor is victualler here

And is innkeeper here in the 1881 census
White's History, Gazetteer and Directory of Devon, 1878-79, p110
http://www.ancestry.co.uk/

1892 The licence is transferred to John Hockin
Western Times 8 April 1892 p8 col5


In a case heard in 1899 one of the defendants is Alfred Kingwell, described as being 'late landlord of the Culloden Inn.' A farmer had sold him a field of barley, but had not been paid. The farmer had been reluctant to go through with the sale because of Mr. Kingwell's financial circumstances.
Western Times 6 May 1899 p3 col4
See also the Farmers under Banks and businesses.

William Henry Mortimore is granted the licence in 1899
Western Times 21 April 1899 p6 col5

Henry Boucher is listed in Kelly's Directory 1902
Kelly's Directory of Devon & Cornwall, 1902, Part 1: Devon , p32

John R B Lamiman is a licensed victualler here in the 1911 census.
http://ancestry.co.uk/

In 1912 three properties, formerly licensed premises, were auctioned at the Golden Lion. The Culloden Arms started at £100, but was withdrawn at £150.
Western Times 25 October 1912, p12 col3

The Culloden was one of the buildings demolished in the 1970s to form Cleder Place. In the 1911 census it appears to be two properties on from no.25.

In 1971 Michael Laithwaite wrote about two medieval houses in Ashburton, nos. 27 - 29 (originally one property) being one of them. Two of the doorways, already wide, had their jambs hollowed out to allow something bulky to pass through.
Michael Laithwaite, Two Medieval Houses in Ashburton, Devon Archaeological Society, Proceedings no. 29, 1971, p181ff


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                                                                     The Dock Inn ?


When John Caunter, clothier, insured premises with the Sun Fire Office in 1770 they included a house with an adjacent linney called the Dock Inn.

Was this, or had it been, an inn in the sense we understand it? The word 'inn' can just mean a dwelling house.
The Devon Cloth Industry in the Eighteenth century, Sun Fire Office Inventories of merchants' and manufacturers' property 1726-1770, Edited by Stanley D Chapman, Devon and Cornwall Record Society, 1978, p2
Shorter Oxford Dictionary


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                                           Duke's Head, Bull Ring
Above: The Duke's Head
From the collection of Lerida Arnold, to whom many thanks

John Chalker is listed in the list of Victuallers Recognizances in 1824, for the Dukes Head.
By 1828 it is Ann Chalker who is listed.
Ref QS/63/3/12/043, Devon Archives and Local Studies Service, http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/8a0550b8-ddf7-428e-aa82-aeec779c8b25 - accessed 21-09-2020
Ref QS/63/6/09/108, Devon Archives and Local Studies Service, http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/26ba4e8f-d2b3-44dd-be0e-0de2597635d1 - accessed 21-09-2020

Mrs Chalker, relict of the late James Chalker of the Duke's Head, died at Dartmouth in January 1846.
Western Times, 17 January 1846, p5 col1

William Butcher is listed as landlord in Pigot's 1844 directory.
And is still there in White's 1850 directory
Pigot's Directory of Berks, Bucks etc. 1844 p6
History, gazetteer and directory of Devonshire, William White, 1850 p466. Freely available on http://books.google.co.uk - Accessed 25-9-2014

William Butchers is listed as landlord in Slater's 1852/53 directory.
 Slater's Directory of Berks, Cornwall, Devon etc 1852-53 p7

When Elizabeth Jane Butchers married Thomas Abbott in March 1861, she is described as the only daughter of Mr. Butchers, formerly of the Duke's Head Inn

Exeter Flying Post 13 March 1861 p5 col4

Mr Butchers, formerly of the Duke's Head Inn, died aged 80 in 1870. He was then living in Holne.
Exeter and Plymouth Gazette 26 February 1870 p3 col1

Smerdon is the landlord during the Christmas festivities at the end of 1857
Western Times 2 January 1858 p6 col4

Joseph Collings is an innkeeper here in the 1861 census
http://www.freecen-org.uk

Joseph Collins, licensed victualler of the Duke's Head Inn, was up in the magistrate's court in 1864. The supervisor of excise charged him with mixing seven bushels of malt and water without making the required entry on a paper left with him for that purpose. The case was proved, and he could have been fined £200, but his defence that it was an oversight was accepted - he had been a brewer for 32 years without any problems. The magistrates set the penalty at £50, but recommended a nominal fine of £1, or even total remission. The recommendation was sent to the Commissioners of Excise.
Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, 2 December 1864, p6, col5

Joseph Collings, landlord of the Duke's Head, died 29 June 1865
Western Times 4 July 1865 p2 col3

At the Petty Sessions of 1876 the licence was transferred from Mr Pearse to Mr Westaway.
Exeter and Plymouth Gazette Daily Telegrams, 29 November 1876, p4 col2

1878 James Westaway is victualler here
White's History, Gazetteer and Directory of Devon, 1878-79, p110

In 1892 Henry Stevens was clearing the area where the Duke's Head and an adjoining house had been. The Capital and Counties Bank was to occupy the site.*
Western Times 17 March 1892 p4 col6
*Now 2, East St.

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                                                              Engineers' Arms, 21 North Street


Said to predate 1869 as a beerhouse.
This was stated in the 1912 compensation claim -see below.

1888 Sawdye and Son advertised the Royal Engineers' Arms in North Street for sale, describing it as a licensed beer-house. At that time it was occupied by Mr W Jackman.
Western Times 28 September 1888 p1 col6

1895 Mrs Amelia Jackson* was granted the licence for the Engineers' Arms, previously held by her late husband.
Western Times 20 November 1895 p2 col4
* Presumably should be Jackman.

William Jackman, 'at the Engineers' Arms' died April 29th 1900, aged 51.
Western Times 4 May 1900 p5 col6

The licence of the Royal Engineers' Arms was transferred to Mr Conybeare in 1901
Western Times 16 January 1901 p4 col6

1906 The son of Mr W Yeo of the Engineers' Arms had to be taken to the Cottage Hospital after being hit by a stone.
Exeter and Plymouth Gazette 14 April 1906 p3 col3

George Shillabeer is here in the 1911 census, but puts down his occupation as a boot repairer.
http://ancestry.co.uk

In 1912 compensation claims were made for various licensed premises whose licences had not been renewed because they were considered redundant.

The Engineers' Arms was one of them. The owner was W H Mortimore and the licensee Mr George Shillabeer. The committee agreed to £460, with £23 going to Mr Shillabeer.
Western Times 27 August 1912 p8 col6

The Royal Engineers' Arms, formerly a licensed premises, was auctioned at the Golden Lion in 1912, together with two adjoining cottages. Bidding started at £100, with Mr W Pengilley eventually buying the properties at £245
Western Times 25 October 1912, p12 col3

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                                                            Exeter Inn, West Street

1825 John Stentaford, Exeter Inn
1826 John Stentiford, Exeter Inn
1827 John Stentaford, Exeter Inn
Quarter sessions Victuallers' Recognizances, Devon Heritage Centre ref QS/63/5/01/118
Quarter sessions Victuallers' Recognizances, Devon Heritage Centre ref QS/63/7/10/008
Quarter sessions Victuallers' Recognizances, Devon Heritage Centre ref QS/63/7/06/027

1828 Joseph Bowden, Exeter Inn
Quarter sessions Victuallers' Recognizances, Devon Heritage Centre ref QS/63/6/09/104

 Jane Bowden, the wife of Joseph Bowden of the Exeter Inn, died in September 1841. She was 51.

Western Times 11 September 1841, p3 col1

1842 When Sarah Bowden marries J Osmond, she is described as the daughter of J Bowden, 'late of the Exeter Inn.'

Western Times 5 December 1840 p3 col5

Western Times 9 July 1842 p3 col1

James Burnett is listed as landlord in Pigot's 1844 directory.
And is still there in White's 1850 directory
And is listed as landlord in Slater's 1852/53 directory.

Pigot's Directory of Berks, Bucks etc. 1844 p6

History, gazetteer and directory of Devonshire, William White, 1850 p466. Freely available on http://books.google.co.uk - Accessed 25-9-2014

Slater's Directory of Berks, Cornwall, Devon etc 1852-53 p7

1856 The licence of the Exeter Inn transferred from Mr Joseph Mugford to Mr Henry Mugford.

Exeter Flying Post 3 Jan 1856 p7 col6


1857 The wife of Wm Colliver of the Exeter Inn gave birth to a son on May 5th.

Exeter Flying Post 14 May 1857 p5 col2

1859 William Adams Coliver is described as keeping the Exeter Inn, when he is a witness to alleged corruption at an election.

He said that both sides used the inn, and that watchers were employed 'to prevent voters being taken away'.
Exeter and Plymouth Gazette 30 July 1859 p9 cols3,4

At the Petty Sessions of 1876 the licence was transferred from Mr Luscombe to Mr Merryfield.
Exeter and Plymouth Gazette Daily Telegrams, 29 November 1876, p4 col2

Richard Merryfield is the victualler in 1878.
And is still here in the 1881 census, living with his wife Jane
White's History, Gazetteer and Directory of Devon, 1878-79, p109
http://www.ancestry.co.uk

James Denney is an innkeeper here in the 1891 census.
And James Denney is listed in Kelly's Directory 1902
http://www.freecen.org.uk
Kelly's Directory of Devon and Cornwall, 1902, Part 1: Devon, p32

Above: The Exeter Inn, West Street, 1970s

From my own collection


Susan Denney is an innkeeper here in the 1911 census
http://ancestry.co.uk/

Rose Halse, wife of proprietor Wm Halse, testified in a case brought against Frederick Eggbeer in 1914 (see item under the Golden Fleece)

Western Times 31 July 1914 p14, col1

In September 1927 Rendell and Sawdye sold various premises belonging to the Kingskerswell Brewery.

Mr W E Halse, tenant of the Exeter Inn, bought the premises for £1000

Western Times 30 September 1927 p9 col2


1935 Wm E Halse is listed at the Exeter Inn in Kelly's Directory

Kelly's Directory of Devonshire 1935, p35


1951 Mrs E M Westerman is listed as the owner/occupier of the Exeter Inn

In a list of buildings of special architectural or historic interest, compiled under Section 30 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1947 and dated 1951.
Thanks to Pete Webb

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                                                                 The George Inn 

In 1614 Thomas Adiscott took the following to court: George Cruse, John Dench (his servant), John Luce the younger and Robert Boond (bailiffs of the stannary court of Ashburton), John Way and Thomas Dolbere (tanner). 

Thomas Adiscott claimed that his wife had been left an annuity out of the George Inn, Ashburton in various wills, but that these wills had been suppressed.

National Archives STAC 8/35/19

http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk -Accessed 6-1-2014

Amongst those assessed for the 1649 Poor Rate for Ashburton were 'the occupiers of the howse beinge the George & ground belonginge to it'
DHC 2141A/PO2 quoted by Todd Gray, Devon Parish Taxpayers 1500-1650 Vol 1, Devon and Cornwall Record Society, Exeter 2016, p106

In 1780 the marriage settlement between Winsor and Luscombe* involved the George Inn in Ashburton, plus other property.
Devon Heritage Centre ref 924B/F/2/10
http://devon-cat.swheritage.org.uk/records/924B/F/2/10
*Possibly the marriage between George Windsor of Ashburton and Letitia Luscombe. They married in Totnes in January 1781
Parish records

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                                                                       The Globe

November 1846 The birth of a daughter was announced to the wife of Edward Husson, of the Globe Inn

Western Times 21 November 1846 p4 col5

 

1848. Alice, the relict (ie surviving spouse) of the late Edward Husson, the Globe Inn, dies. As she was 75, we are obviously talking about an older generation than the announcement above.

Western Times 4 November 1848 p5 col1


 Above and below: The Globe Hotel, North Street

From my own collection

Edward Husson is the landlord in White's 1850 directory

History, gazetteer and directory of Devonshire, William White, 1850 p466. Freely available on http://books.google.co.uk - Accessed 25-9-2014


1850 Husson's Globe Inn was  the venue for the Oddfellows' anniversary dinner.

Exeter Flying Post 17 January 1850 p8 col4

 

Edward Husson is listed as landlord in Slater's 1852/53 directory.

Slater's Directory of Berks, Cornwall, Devon etc 1852-53 p7

 

An auction was held at Husson's Globe Inn in December 1854

Western Times 23 December 1854 p1 col1



April 1875. The licence of the Globe Inn was transferred temporarily from the late Mr Husson to his son Albert and daughters Frances Alice and  Louisa Husson.

Western Times 2 April 1875 p7 col4


In December 1875 Mr A Husson (presumably Albert)  severely injured his head and back. The horse-drawn bus which had been used between Ashburton and Newton had been up for sale at the market, but no buyer was found for it. Mr Husson drove it back to the Globe Hotel, but it only just went under the low arch that led into the yard, and he collided with the entrance.

Western Times 21 December 1875 p8 col5

Mr Husson died in March 1875, leaving about £5000. Mr Husson's brother, a draper, supplied the mourning, but the following year there was a dispute over who had ordered it. The draper took other members of the family to court, and the case, Husson v Husson and Langler, was heard at Newton County Court.

Mr Foaden, brother-in-law to the executor, Mr E Husson, was now the landlord.

A lighter moment occurred during the case when Albert Husson claimed that his sister Frances had issued cheques for the mourning clothes from the hotel accounts without his consent. There was laughter when upon cross examination he admitted that he never knew what Frances was issuing cheques for.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette 18 August 1876 p7 col5

For more details see Disputes under the Gathering Together section.

 

1877 John Foaden, builder and landlord of the Globe Inn, successfully defended an action to recover money in a dispute with an auctioneer over some pictures.

Western Times 21 August 1877 p5 col5

 

Miss Sarah Mary Edwards is listed in Kelly's Directory 1902

And Sarah Mary Edwards is a hotel proprietor here in the 1911 census.
Kelly's Directory of Devon & Cornwall, 1902, Part 1: Devon , p32
http://ancestry.co.uk/

The report on the funeral of the late Miss Edwards in 1921 spoke of her as being the proprietress of the Globe Hotel for about 20 years.
Western Times 7 April 1921 p2 col2

1935 Thos Wm Hobbs is listed at the Globe Hotel in Kelly's Directory
Kelly's Directory of Devonshire 1935, p35For a picture of a flagon labelled Husson, Spirit merchants, Ashburton, see the 1850s section of the Virtual museum

Charles Waterfield, of the Globe Hotel, was fined £2 in 1944 for supplying intoxicating liquor outside the permitted hours. Charles had been found in his car with two Americans at 10.29pm on January 7th, having sold them 8 bottles of beer. The defendant declared that he must be 'too good hearted'.
Western Morning News 29 January 1944, p3 col4

                                                     *******

                                             The Golden Fleece

George Perkins, publican, aged 35-39, and his wife Elizabeth are in St Lawrence Lane in the 1841 census.
http://ancestry.co.uk

George Perkins is listed as landlord in Pigot's 1844 directory.
Pigot's Directory of Berks, Bucks etc. 1844, p6

And is still there in White's 1850 directory
History, gazetteer and directory of Devonshire, William White, 1859 p466. Freely available on
http://books.google.co.uk - Accessed 25-9-2014

And is listed as landlord in Slater's 1852/53 directory
Slater's Directory of Berks, Cornwall, Devon etc. 1852-53, p7

Elizabeth Perkins is an innkeeper and baker here in the 1861 census
http://www.freecen.org.uk

And is here in the 1871 census
http://www.ancestry.co.uk/

1878 Mrs Elizabeth Perkins is baker, brewer and victualler here
White's History, Gazetteer and Directory of Devon, 1878-79, p109

Right: The Golden Fleece, adjoining the St. Lawrence Chapel (the Grammar School) in St. Lawrence Lane. This photograph taken when George V was proclaimed king in 1910.
Many thanks to Lerida Arnold for the photograph.

William Knapman is listed in Kelly's Directory 1902
Kelly's Directory of Devon & Cornwall, 1902, Part 1: Devon , p32

In 1905 the licence was transferred from Mrs M A Knapman to Mr W Stagg
Western Times 11 August 1905 p3 col2

Richard Mogridge is a police pensioner and innkeeper here in the 1911 census
http://ancestry.co.uk/

In July 1914 Samuel Lock, the licensee of the Golden Fleece, was in trouble for selling intoxicating liquor to someone who was drunk - naval pensioner Frederick Eggbeer. Frederick was charged with being drunk on licensed premises. P S Luxton had advised Frederick to go home after watching him enter a series of public houses: The Royal Oak, The Rose and Crown and The Exeter.
Western Times 31 July 1914 p14, col1

In 1934 Redundancy was on the cards for four inns at the annual licensing sessions at Newton Abbot. The Golden Fleece was one of them.
By September £680 10s was being claimed in compensation. By this time St Anne's Well Brewery Co., Exeter were the owners, and William Hy. Hodge the tenant.
Western Morning News 7 February 1934 p11 col5
Western Times 21 September 1934 p12 col2

 

                                                   *******

                                    Golden Lion Hotel, East Street


'Various ancient feoffments are found among the documents of the parish of Ashburton, which appear to relate to the lands now in the possession of this parish...And reciting also that the said William Knowling the younger and John Furse, as feoffees in trust, to the use of the parishioners of Ashburton, were also seised of a messuage or tenement, situate in West-Street, within the said borough, then used for an inn, and called by the name of the sign of the Lion...'
Report of the Commissioners concerning Charities, vol 1, Exeter, 1826, p133


A lease concerning the Golden Tap is held at Devon Heritage Centre. Dated 1770, it is from Benjamin Cocking, innholder, to William Monday, mason. Described as a messuage or dwelling house, courtlage and herbgarden, the lease is for 999 years.

The probate copy of William Monday's will, dated 1787, also concerns the Golden Lion Tap.
Devon Heritage Centre ref 146B/T/1 and ref 146B/T/2
http://devon-cat.swheritage.org.uk/records/146B/0/T/1
http://devon-cat.swheritage.org.uk/records/146B/0/T/2

Above: The Golden Lion Hotel
From my own collection
Nov 1780 William Cross a stranger killed by the kick of a horse at ye Golden Lion

Burials in the Ashburton register transcribed by Mr and Mrs Hatch. Thanks to Jeremy Hatch for the document.

The most recent* Golden Lion was possibly built circa 1790, as a private residence for Nicholas Tripe, surgeon.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette 2 April 1874 p3 col2

* East Street, opposite the entrance to Roborough Lane.
The newspaper article was written 80 years after the event - the date of 1790 seems unlikely.

Nicholas Tripe, surgeon, was buried in June 1790. Nicholas Tripe the younger, surgeon, was buried in April 1783

Parish records


There was an earlier inn or hotel: in 1796 an advertisement announced that the Ashburton Assembly was to be held, as usual, at the Old Golden Lion on the 19th October.

Sherborne Mercury 17 October 1796 p2 col2



On pages 64 -68, volume 17 of Picturesque Sketches of Devon the Rev. John Swete (born John Tripe) describes having lunch in his old home in Ashburton, now an inn.
The date of the manuscripts is 1796 -1801
Devon Heritage Centre ref 564M
http://devon-cat.swheritage.org.uk/records/564M


1803 The Old Golden Lion and New Golden Lion are written about in Paterson's description of roads.

A new and accurate description of the direct and principal cross roads in England and Wales, Lieut. Col. Paterson, London 1803, General index to the roads, v.

In the same year Mr T Cousins took over the Golden Lion from Mr T Brown. Mr Brown had kept the inn for twenty two years.

Exeter Flying Post 28 July 1803 p2 col4

A lease and release of 1809 concerns the Golden Lion. John Swete, the son of Nicholas Tripe, and John Beaumont Swete, John Swete's son, conveyed to Thomas Cousins, inn keeper, 'A plot in East Street whereon was formerly and had lately been erected messuage or dwelling house used as an inn and called The Golden Lion.'
Devon Heritage Centre, ref 146B/0/T/5-6
http://devon-cat.swheritage.org.uk/records/146B/0/T/5-6


1809. An advertisement appeared in the Exeter Flying Post from Mr Cousins of the Golden Lion, for the 'Winter Assemblies', to be held in new rooms.

A ball was to be held every month.

Exeter Flying Post 16 November 1809 p4 col3

Right: According to a booklet published for the Golden Lion Hotel in the 1920s/1930s, the ball room was first opened to commemorate the jubilee of George III in 1810

From my own collection


1812 An auction (for Higher and Lower Bowdley) was to held at the house of Thomas Cousins, at the sign of the Golden Lion.

Exeter Flying Post 4 June 1812 p1 col3

The tolls from various tollgates were to be auctioned at Samuel Jeffery's house, the Golden Lion, in 1824.

Exeter Flying Post 17 June 1824 p1 col3

In 1829 The Golden Lion Inn is mentioned as the 'dwelling house' of William Barons

London Gazette Issue 18564 3 April 1829, p13

1835 A Mrs Lloyd died in Exeter, 'late of' the Golden Lion Inn, Ashburton. She was the mother of Mr Lloyd, postmaster of Ashburton.

Exeter Flying Post 19 March 1835 p2 col6

William Baron was landlord at the time of the Ashburton election riot - see the Election Fever sub-menu of the Gathering Together section.

Western Times 4 August 1838 p5 all columns, p6 col 1-3


                                                                    The story of Albert Lion

In 1840 the Western Times reported that a male child, judged to be about 6 weeks old, had been found behind the Golden Lion: Mr and Mrs Barons took care of the child overnight. Shortly beforehand a woman carrying a baby had been seen walking up and down the street outside, but there was no clue to the identity of the 'unnatural mother'.
Western Times 7 March 1840, p3 col5

In 1905 a man called Albert Lion was charged with sleeping in an outhouse at Furzeleigh, and brought before magistrate Major Tucker at the Ashburton Police Court.

Albert said that as a baby he had been found in a basket on the steps of the Golden Lion hotel - it was the morning of Queen Victoria's wedding day.* The authorities named him Albert after the Queen's husband, and Lion after the place where he was found.

Major Tucker said 'he remembered the circumstances': he discharged Albert on condition that he entered the Newton Abbot workhouse.
Western Times, 1 September 1905, p7, col2
*10th February 1840 - see The Letters of Queen Victoria, ed. A C Benson and Viscount Escher, John Murray, 1908

                                                                           ***
In 1841 the 'undivided mohiety of the Lordship of the Manor and Borough of Ashburton' was for sale, together with land, houses, and 'that old-established and capital inn and posting house called the Golden Lion'.
Western Courier, West of England Conservative, Plymouth and Devonport Advertiser, 17 November 1841, p1 col2
                                                                          
                                                                           ***
1843 J Matheson, MP for Ashburton, bought the Golden Lion from Sir Lawrence Palk.
Western Times 16 September 1843, p3, col5

George Bate is listed as landlord in Pigot's 1844 directory. The Golden Lion Family Hotel is 'commercial', a posting house and excise office.
George is still there in White's 1850 directory.
Pigot's Directory of Berks, Bucks etc. 1844, p5
History, Gazetteer and Directory of Devonshire, William White, 1850, p466. Freely available on hhtp://books.google.co.uk - Accessed 25-9-2-14

And is listed as landlord in Slater's 1852/53 directory
Slater's Directory of Berks, Cornwall, Devon etc. 1852-53, p7
 

1845 Three carriages, containing HRH Prince Ferdinand of Saxe Coburg, HRH Prince Leopold of Saxe Coburg and their attendants stopped at Bates' Golden Lion before proceeding to Plymouth.

Western Times 22 November 1845 p3 col3

1855 Mr Bate was moving to the Royal Hotel at Plymouth. Mrs Bishop, formerly of the Seymour Hotel, Totnes, was taking over the Golden Lion.
The licence was transferred by the beginning of 1856

Western Times 15 December 1855 p7 col2

Exeter Flying Post 3 Jan 1856 p7 col6

1861 The census for Ashburton shows Susan Bishop, widow, hotel keeper, at the Golden Lion. She was born in Nordreath, Cornwall http://www.freecen.org.uk

1861 The census for Lifton, Devon shows John Sexton, victualler, with wife Maria A Sexton, born Thrushelton and daughter Mary A Sexton born Lifton (see below)

http://www.freecen.org.uk

 

1869 Robert Dobell, proprietor of the Golden Lion Hotel, broke his thigh in an accident near Druid.

1870 Golden Lion family and commercial hotel and posting house, East street. Robert Dobell is the proprietor.
Exeter and Plymouth Gazette 27 November 1869 p3 col3
Morris and Co Directory 1870 

1872 Invoice for the Golden Lion 'Family and Commercial Hotel and Posting House' shows John Sexton as the proprietor (seen by me, but image is copyright)

In 1874 the licence of the Golden Lion Inn was transferred from Mr to Mrs Sexton.
Western Daily Mercury 24 September 1874, p3 col3

1878 Omnibuses from the Golden Lion (and from the Red Lion) met all trains

White's History, Gazetteer and Directory of Devon, 1878-79, p110


1881 census Ashburton, East Street shows Maria A Sexton, hotel proprietress, widow, born Thrushelton, with daughter Mary A Sexton, born Lifton https://www.familysearch.org/

 

1891 census Ashburton, East Street shows Edward J Sawdye at the Golden Lion, a hotel keeper and auctioneer.

http://www.freecen.org.uk

There is a stoneware bottle in Ashburton museum with E. J. Sawdye, Golden Lion, incised into it.

Golden Lion Family and Commercial hotel and posting house (James Clymo, proprietor) East St.
Kelly's Directory of Devonshire 1902, page 32 

James Clymo is a hotel keeper here in the 1911 census.
http://ancestry.co.uk/


Right: Postcard showing the rear of the Golden Lion when L. C. Boyle was the proprietor. The clothing suggests a pre 1st World War date - the card is unused, but would have cost a halfpenny to send inland.

From my own collection


During the Newton and Buckfastleigh races tables for luncheon could be reserved at the Golden Lion by telephoning 5, or by sending a telegram.

Western Morning News 11 May 1921 p1 col8

Postcards above from my own collection
Above: The dining room at the Golden Lion. From a promotional booklet, undated but probably late 1920s
From my own collection

Above: Advertisement from the Guide to Ashburton - Ashburton Urban District Council, undated, but between 1930 and 1935. The telephone number was 5


Above right: Cover from a booklet produced for the Golden Lion. See the Virtual museum 1950s section for more images.
From my own collection

1940. Mr Arthur Northcott Pitts, the licensee of the Golden Lion Hotel, applied to Newton Abbot magistrates to have the licence suspended for the duration of the war. A school evacuated from Cambridge was now using the premises, and the Home Secretary had indicated that under such circumstances, and where trade might be seriously affected by the war, licences could be suspended. The application was granted, with the Chairman of the Bench adding that they saw no reason why the licence should not be renewed in the future.
Western Morning News 14 August 1940, p5 col4



1951 J P Greenwood is listed as the owner/occupier of the Golden Lion.
In a list of buildings of special architectural or historic interest, compiled under Section 30 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1947 and dated 1951.
Thanks to Pete Webb
Above: The Golden Lion Hotel
My own photograph 2013

W T Lovegrove was the proprietor of the Golden Lion Hotel at some time in the 1940s and 50s 
Ashburton Official Guide, undated but between 1947 and 1952
From my own collection

                                                    *******
Above and below: Pages from a booklet produced for the Golden Lion in the 1960s: Ashburton's claim to be the third oldest town in England was a little fanciful.
For larger images of the businesses advertising in the booklet, see Occupations 1900, under Banks and Businesses.
Many thanks to Nancy Frey
                                                
                                               The Lion's Den
A new café, The Lion's Den, opened in September 1932. It was attached to the Golden Lion Hotel, which had recently been bought by Messrs Carr and Quick, of Exeter.
Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, 9 September 1932, p15 col5

In January 1939 the Ashburton Branch of the British Legion held a bread and cheese supper at the Lion's Den. The supper was followed by a sing-song.
Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, 27 January 1939, p7 col5

There was an inter-club boxing tournament between Ashburton Junior Athletic Club and Torquay Apollo Boxing Club in April 1947. The meeting was held at The Lion's Den, which was filled to capacity to see the Apollo Club retain their team record.
Torbay Express and South Devon Echo, 24 April 1947, p6 col1
Above left: On holiday at the Golden Lion, probably 1950s. The building behind is The Den.
Above right: The car in the same position, showing the rear of the hotel.
From my own collection

A film show was given by the Aims of Industry at the Lion's Den in March 1950, sponsored by the Ashburton Chamber of Trade.
Western Times 17 March 1950, p7 col2

From Sam Sim:
'We lived in Ashburton in the winter of 1986/7. We had a new baby, and having lost my tied cottage we desperately needed somewhere to live. The Den was divided into 3 flats: we lived in the front part with two bay windows. One flat was at the back at ground level; there was a slope at the side of the building going down to it and a little garden. The other was behind ours, level with the car park. The couple  in the lower rear flat owned it whilst ours and the rear upper flat were rented from Alan and Norma Hope at £35 a week.
It was a very cold building and the curtains froze to the windows for two weeks during the cold snap that winter. I recorded -8c indoors in the spare unheated room.
We used a portable gas heater and I remember carrying two 32lb gas bottles from the hardware store near the corner of North Street up East Street to the Den. They only lasted ten days.'
With many thanks to Sam

South West Heritage Trust (Devon Archives) holds a sale catalogue for the Lion's Den, dated 2001
Ref 3372M/308 https://devon-cat.swheritage.org.uk/records/3372M/308 - accessed 09-01-2024 

 

                                                        Golden Lion Tap


Aaron Bickham is the landlord in White's 1850 directory
In 1851 Aaron, son of Mr. A. Bickham of the Golden Lion Tap, died aged 14

History, gazetteer and directory of Devonshire, William White, 1850 p466. Freely available on http://books.google.co.uk - Accessed 25-9-2014
Western Times 18th October 1851 p5 col4


An inquest was held at the Golden Lion Tap in 1864, on the body of shoemaker James Bastard. He had come to Ashburton to buy leather, and had stayed the night at the Culloden Inn. The next day he was found dead on Tower Hill.

The coroner, W F Windeatt, was told that Mr Bastard had complained of a severe pain in his thigh.

Verdict: Death by visitation of God. 

Western Times 1 January 1864 p7 col1                                                                  

In 1891 Mr J Jackman, of the Golden Lion Tap, had a pair of boots stolen. Eliza Marks, 'a tramp', was convicted of the offence, and was sentenced to three weeks in prison with hard labour.
Western Times 11 August 1891 p2 col4

                                                    *******

                                                   Greylands

In 1922 Greylands was a private residential hotel, 'delightfully situated' and with a garage. It boasted separate tables and 'excellent cuisine'.
Western Morning News 22 March 1922, p1 col4

                                                                        *******
                                                             London Inn, West Street


1801 The inn was being sold. It boasted a court and 'plenty of water', and provided stabling for the horses of the Mail and Plymouth Dock coaches. James Lloyde was the current landlord.

Two adjoining properties were for sale, which, together with the inn, gave 3 parliamentary votes to the purchaser.

The Exeter Flying Post 13 August 1801 p2 col3

James Lloyd, 'of the London Inn' was buried at Ashburton May 28th, 1808.

Parish records

'Plymouth Dock, Aug 2.

We had been recommended to the London Inn at Ashburton, kept by Mr Lloyd, the intelligent ciceroni of the place; and had hoped under his guidance to have visited the many beautiful spots in the neighbourhood of the town. But alas! we found the family sorrowing for the loss of a tender husband, an affectionate father and a sincere friend; seeking consolation, however, in their grief from the recollection that he had left behind him "the everlasting memorial" of a good name...'

Above: The London Inn, West Street
From my own collection
The Rev. Richard Warner, A Tour through Devon and Cornwall in the Autumn of 1808, Bath, London, 1809, p32ff

1812 Mary Lloyd let the inn to John Edwards.

Exeter Flying Post 12 March 1812 p1 col2

An election was due in 1816. John Edwards was offering horses and chaises 'ready to convey to the Poll, free of expenses, forty freeholders, in favor of Sir Thomas Dyke Acland, Bart., and Edmund P Bastard, Esq.'

Exeter Flying Post 21 November 1816, p4 col5

By July of 1817 three post chaises and harnesses, together with a large quantity of household goods and furniture, were up for auction, for the benefit of John Edwards' creditors.

Exeter Flying Post 24 July 1817 p1 col3

1824 Mary Lloyd, London Inn

Quarter sessions Victuallers' Recognizances, Devon Heritage Centre ref QS/63/3/12/034

1825 William Taprell, London Inn

Quarter sessions Victuallers' Recognizances, Devon Heritage Centre ref QS/63/5/


1825 William Jordan Taprell, London Inn
1826 William J Taprell, London Inn
1827 William Taprill, London Inn
1828 Thomas Taperell, London Inn

Quarter sessions Victuallers' Recognizances, Devon Heritage Centre ref QS/63/5/01/112

Quarter sessions Victuallers' Recognizances, Devon Heritage Centre ref QS/63/7/10/016

Quarter sessions Victuallers' Recognizances, Devon Heritage Centre ref QS/63/7/06/019

Quarter sessions Victuallers' Recognizances, Devon Heritage Centre ref QS/63/6/09/103


1834 J Adams, previously of the King's Arms Inn, St Thomas, Exeter, advertised 'perfect accommodation' at the London Inn, including well-aired beds and good stabling.

As well as selling home-brewed beer, Wiveliscombe beer, Whitbread's porter and cyder were all provided.

Western Times 18 October 1834 p1 col1


A week later premises described as the Old London Inn were for sale, in 'the centre and best part' of Ashburton. It consisted of a large dwellinghouse divided into tenements, a yard, linhays and outbuildings. William Edgcombe was the occupier. This might suggest the London Inn had moved at some stage.

Western Times 25 October 1834, p1 col2


The inn is described as Foaden's London Inn in 1840

Western Times 5 December 1840 p3 col5


Jonas Honywill is listed as landlord of the London Inn (commercial) in Pigot's 1844 directory.

Pigot's Directory of Berks, Bucks etc. 1844 p5

 

14 October 1846 The wife of R. Bracewell of the London Inn gave birth to a daughter.
The inn is described as Bracewell's in 1847

Western Times 17 October 1846 p5 col2

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette 27 November 1847 p4 col4

 

Henry Caunter's portrait of the wrestler Abraham Cann was on display at Bracewell's London Inn at the beginning of 1850. See also the Town Arms

Western Times 12 January 1850 p5 col4


Richard Bracewell is the landlord in White's 1850 directory
Richard Bracewell is listed as landlord in Slater's 1852/53 directory.

History, gazetteer and directory of Devonshire, William White, 1850 p466. Freely available on http://books.google.co.uk - Accessed 25-9-2014

Slater's Directory of Berks, Cornwall, Devon etc 1852-53 p7

 

1856 An advertisement in the Western Times announces that John Angel, formerly of the Town Arms, is now proprietor of the London Inn.

And John Angel is innkeeper here in the 1861 census

Western Times 29 November 1856 p4 col4

http://www.freecen.org.uk

 

The deeds of The Wilderness, East Street, include an indenture made on November 9th, 1863.

John Angel, innkeeper, and his wife Eliza were of the first part; Elizabeth Waycott of Totnes was of the second part; Robert Tucker was of the third part and Robert George Abraham was of the fourth part

Thanks to Sandy Smith for allowing me to see these deeds

 

John Angel of the London Inn, died in January 1870

Western Times 21 January 1870 p5 col6

 

1878 William Hill is victualler here. The London Inn is also listed as a posting house.

White's History, Gazetteer and Directory of Devon, 1878-79, p109


In 1891 Messrs Whiteway and Foot sold the London Inn, described as a Family and Commercial Hotel and Posting House. The auctioneers said that Mrs Hill had been the proprietress for 19 years.

Western Times 28 August 1891 p1 col6


29 July 1895 Alice Maud Hill of the London Hotel, daughter of the late William Hill married Fred Brown, formerly of Ashburton.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette 2 August 1895 p2 col7


Arthur W Cove was hotel keeper here in the 1901 census.
And Arthur W Cove is listed in Kelly's Directory 1902

http://www.findmypast.co.uk

Kelly's Directory of Devon & Cornwall, 1902, Part 1: Devon  p32

 

Jane Cole was hotel proprietress here in the 1911 census

http://ancestry.co.uk/


Right: Russell Herbert Martin (son of William and Beatrice Martin) outside the London Hotel with his own son.

Thanks to Roy Martin for the above photo

 'My Grandparents, Mr William Martin and Mrs Beatrice Dorothy Martin moved into the London Hotel in West Street in 1940, where he and Granny housed American Army Officers on the top floor during the 40's.'

Thanks to Christine Lunt for the above item. See also the item on the Royal Oak


Left:  Advertisement from the Guide to Ashburton - Ashburton Urban District Council, undated, but between 1930 and 1935. J F Lamb was the proprietor
From my own collection

                                                                                             *******

                        
                                                                  The Mermaid Inn

'Lawrence Blundell, by will, dated 18th March 1637, gave towards the maintenance of the school at Ashburton, yearly, during the life of his wife, the sum of 40s and after her decease, the sum of 40s more, being in all the sum of 4l (£4) to be issuing out of all his messuages lands and tenements within the parish of Ashburton quarterly, for ever.
This annuity of 4l is payable in respect of a house formerly called the Mermaid, and now the property of Sir Lawrence Palk....'

Reference to a report of 1822
Report to the Charity Commissioners, HMSO 1908
, p11.


By tradition, the Mermaid is No 4 North Street, and also by tradition, is where Thomas Fairfax stayed for his one night in Ashburton.

For more on the connection with the English Civil War, see the Conflict sub-menu of Ashburton in Peril

Above: 4 North Street
From my own collection
An article about Ashburton in 1851 said that the former Mermaid Inn still had its arched entrance and 'spacious hall, now a commodious kitchen, which might cook in its oven any General's dinner... '
Exeter Flying Post 28 August 1851, p3 col1

In 1861 Mr Henry Eddy drew up plans for new Police offices and a lock-up house between North Street and Cad Lane. The site was, according to the Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, adjoining what had been known as the Mermaid Inn, where Oliver Cromwell's officers stopped.
Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, 5 April 1861 p7 col2

A 17th century panelled screen, allegedly from the Mermaid Inn, is now at Bradley Manor, Newton Abbot
.
http://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=MDV9141&resourceID=104 - Accessed 9-1-2018


 

                                                                       ******* 

                                                          New Bottle Inn, North Street

Richard Dobell, aged 60-64 is an innkeeper in North Street in the 1841 census, living with his wife Grace
Richard Dobell is listed as landlord in Pigot's 1844 directory.
http://www.ancestry.co.uk/
Pigot's Directory of Berks, Bucks etc. 1844 p6

1851 census. Richard Dobell, aged 72 is an innkeeper in North Street. There are then two properties before the entry for Thomas Foaden - see the Sun Inn below.
http://www.ancestry.co.uk/

In 1854 the death was announced of Mr Richard Courtenay Dobell, aged 76, 'one of the oldest reformers of the borough'. He had been landlord of the New Bottle Inn for many years.
Western Times 15 April 1854, p5 col2

1871 census. James Stephens is the Licensed victualler. Coming towards the Bull Ring there are then two properties before the Sun Inn, making the New Bottle Inn at what is now No 7. It later became the Commercial Inn (see below).
http://www.ancestry.co.uk/

1873 The licence of the New Bottle Inn was transferred from Stevens to Honeywell.
Express and Echo 29 October 1873, p3 col1

It was being rebuilt in 1875. Mr Honywill was granted a temporary licence for an adjoining property.
Western Times 2 July 1875 p8 col3

In 1882 the licence of the New Bottle, 'now known as the Commercial Hotel' was transferred from the executors of John Hannaford Honeywell to William Ford.
Express and Echo 18 April 1882, p2 col5

                                                   ******* 

                                         New Inn, North Street

In 1756 Nicholas Prideaux was selling several 'messuages, lands and tenements' in Ashburton. A survey of them was to be held at Mr Aldridge's, at the New Inn, on the 26th January.

The General Evening Post, 1756, p348 col2

'(A) curious incident, which happened between forty and fifty years since at Ashburton, at the house of Mrs. Aldridge, called the New Inn, and is thus related in Polwhele's History of Devonshire: "in an underground cellar, a dish of Wembury oysters was laid by way of coolness. At the time the tide flows, it is well known oysters open their shells, to admit the waters and take their food. At this period a large oyster had expanded its jaws, and at the same period two mice, searching for prey, pounced at once on the victim, and seized it with their teeth. The oyster, shrinking at the wound, closed its shell, collapsing with such force as to crush the marauders to death. The oyster, with the two mice dangling from its shell, was, for some time, exhibited as a curiosity by the landlady to her guests." '

The Beauties of England and Wales, John Britton and Edward Wedlake Brayley, 1803, vol 4, p26

Freely available from Google books https://books.google.co.uk/- Accessed 16-1-2015


1824, 1825, 1826, 1827 Richard Hext, New Inn

Quarter sessions Victuallers' Recognizances, Devon Heritage Centre ref QS/63/3/12/028

Quarter sessions Victuallers' Recognizances, Devon Heritage Centre ref QS/63/5/01/114

Quarter sessions Victuallers' Recognizances, Devon Heritage Centre ref QS/63/7/10/011

Quarter sessions Victuallers' Recognizances, Devon Heritage Centre ref QS/63/7/06/022


1828 Edward Worth, New Inn

Quarter sessions Victuallers' Recognizances, Devon Heritage Centre ref QS/63/6/09/124

Elizabeth Whiteway of the New Inn, Ashburton, is witness in a court case. The inn is described as 10 minutes walk from Kingsbridge Lane.

Western Times 27 February 1841 p3 col5

Elizabeth Whiteway is listed as landlady in Pigot's 1844 directory.
The 1841 census has Elizabeth Whiteway, innkeeper, in North Street.

Pigot's Directory of Berks, Bucks etc. 1844 p6

1841 census HO107, piece no. 253, folio 12, p19

She is still there in White's 1850 directory
Elizabeth Whiteway is an innkeeper in North Street in the 1851 census.
And is still listed as landlady  in Slater's 1852/53 directory.

History, gazetteer and directory of Devonshire, William White, 1850 p466.

Freely available on http://books.google.co.uk - Accessed 25-9-2014

http://www.ancestry.co.uk/

Slater's Directory of Berks, Cornwall, Devon etc 1852-53 p7

'During the week the old building known as the New Inn, where the shambles formerly stood, has been taken down. It adjoined the old Mermaid Inn...'
John Husson, draper, had bought the property, and was planning to build a new shop.
Exeter and Plymouth Gazette 14 April 1860, p6 col6

In September 1927 Rendell and Sawdye sold various premises belonging to the Kingskerswell Brewery.

An undisclosed purchaser bought the New Inn* for £1050

Western Times 30 September 1927 p9 col2

*This may be a different inn.

                                                                       *******

                                                                     Newhouse

On the limit of the Ashburton boundary against Widecombe, with Rippon Tor was on the right, are the ruins of Newhouse.
Above: The ruins of Newhouse.
My own photograph, 2016
In 1912 William Crossing described the remains as 'scanty' with 'a few low walls marking the site of a dwelling and some enclosures near it'. It was, he says, an inn that burnt down. The road links Ashburton with Chagford, and was a thoroughfare for wagons carrying lime, and goods connected with the wool trade. 'It was quite a common thing, at certain times, to see a large number of carts drawn up in the road near this solitary inn while their drivers quenched their thirst within.'
William Crossing, Crossing's Guide to Dartmoor, David and Charles 1981 reprint of 1912 edition, p329


Clement Leaman was buried at Widecombe in January 1821. He was of 'New house on the Down, Ashburton', and was aged 79.
Parish records Widdecombe in the Moor

In 1841 George Leaman was at Newhose, with Amey, George, Herieot and Thos. George was a thatcher.
1841 census HO107, piece no. 253, folio 4, p3

George and Amey had been at Newhouse since at least 1822, when their daughter Susan was baptized at Widecombe.
Widdecombe parish records

Ten years later 65 year old George was with 56 year old Emma, their son Thomas and grandson William Leaman. George was described as a thatcher and farmer of 17 acres.
1851 census HO107, piece no. 1871, folio 344, p10

A wrestling match took place after the fair at Widecombe in October 1851, with several 'prize players' including Leaman. R Leaman, of Newhouse, Ashburton, won third prize.
Exeter Flying Post 23 October 1851, p4 col5
Above: Boundary stone, on the other side of the road, close to the Newhouse remains.
Photograph Robin Bligh 2020
                                                                     
                                                                        *******

                                                                       North Star

The North Star is mentioned in a list of leases of North Street properties. Dated 1781, the names of Sunter and the Rev. Fabian are mentioned.
Devon Heritage Centre ref 924B/L/1/1 https://devon-cat.swheritage.org.uk/records/924B/L/1/1 - Accessed 15-10-2018


A row of cottages stood in front of the Congregational Chapel in North Street. Access to the meeting-house was through a passage that was connected with a public house called The North Star. The trustees leased these buildings in 1829.
Rev T G Crippen, Congregationalism in Ashburton, Congregational Historical Society Transactions vol 12 no.4, London September 1934, pp192


                                                                                        *******

                                                                                Old Bottle Inn 

The inn is described as being in Lawrence's Lane in 1843 in a newspaper account of the murder of Rebecca Tooley, of Totnes. The body was taken there.
North Devon Journal 17 August 1843 p3 col4

Joseph Mugford is listed as landlord in Pigot's 1844 directory.
And is still there in White's 1850 directory
And is listed as landlord in Slater's 1852/53 directory.
Pigot's Directory of Berks, Bucks etc. 1844 p6
History, gazetteer and directory of Devonshire, William White, 1850 p466.
Freely available on http://books.google.co.uk - Accessed 25-9-2014
Slater's Directory of Berks, Cornwall, Devon etc 1852-53 p7

In 1859 Joseph Winsor of the Old Bottle was fined 12s 6d for supplying beer during prescribed hours.
Exeter and Plymouth Gazette 22 October 1859, p5 col4

Joseph Winsor is the innkeeper here in the 1861 census
And in the 1871 census, where it is named the Old Bottle
http://www.freecen.org.uk
http://www.ancestry.co.uk



                                                                     *******

                                               Railway Inn, St Lawrence Lane/Station Road

Above: The Railway Hotel, later The Silent Whistle

My own photograph 2013
1872 William Baker of the Railway Inn, Ashburton, married Drucilla Easterbrook of Holne.

Western Times 13 July 1872 p2 col3

1874 William Baker was summoned for allowing  intoxicating liquor to be consumed at the Railway Inn at midnight on April 18th. Mr E Windeatt, defending, said that the man in question had drunk two glasses of peppermint, and that peppermint was not an intoxicating liquor. The case was dismissed.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette 19 May 1874 p4 col3

1876 Transferred from Wm Baker to Jas Westaway

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette 29 March 1876 p4 col1

1878 William Andrews, landlord of the Railway Inn, was called as a witness at the inquest of William Whiddon. He had supplied the deceased with brandy and beer, but had then been cautioned by P S Nott not to supply any more alcohol to Mr Whiddon.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette 11 May 1878 p3 col5

George Thorne is a Hotel keeper here in the 1891 census

http://www.freecen.org.uk

1903 The Urban District Council summoned Thomas F Mitchelmore of the Railway Hotel for allowing a chimney to be on fire. He was fined 1s plus 7s costs.

Western Times 25 March 1903 p4 col2

Thomas Ferris Mitchelmore is a licensed victualler here in the 1911 census.

http://ancestry.co.uk/

In September 1927 Rendell and Sawdye sold various premises belonging to the Kingskerswell Brewery

Mr W H Andrews, from Plymouth, bought the Railway Hotel for £1550

Western Times 30 September 1927 p9 col2

 

1935 Cyril Parker Clark is listed at the Railway Inn in Kelly's Directory

Kelly's Directory of Devonshire 1935, p35

Above right:  An advertisement in the Ashburton Official Guide, 1940s/50s
From my own collection

                                                                       *******

                                                             Red Lion, East Street

For an archaeological assessment of the building, see http://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/archiveDS/archiveDownload?t=arch-721-1/dissemination/pdf/southwes1-168681_1.pdf - Accessed 23-08-2015


The Devon Heritage Centre holds a lease for the Red Lyon in West Street*, Bastard to Butchers, dated 1758
Devon Heritage Centre, ref 1164B/9/1 https://devon-cat.swheritage.org.uk/records/1164B/9/1
* ??

1839 Mr Wm Lukey, of the Red Lion, had to run after his horse for about six miles, when it bolted from outside the King William Inn at Totnes.

Western Times 27 July 1839 p4 col2


In 1841 the eldest son of William Lukey of the Red Lion Inn died. Named John, he was six years old.

Western Times 14 August 1841 p2 col6


Mrs Lukey, of the Red Lion Inn, gave evidence in a murder trial.

Western Times 21 October 1843 p3 col5

Above and below: Interior of the Red Lion.
Many thanks to Wendy Corbett Kelley for these photos

William Lukey is listed as landlord in Pigot's 1844 directory.
And is still there in White's 1850 directory

Pigot's Directory of Berks, Bucks etc. 1844 p6

History, gazetteer and directory of Devonshire, William White, 1850 p466. 

Freely available on http://books.google.co.uk - Accessed 25-9-2014


And is listed as landlord in Slater's 1852/53 directory.

Slater's Directory of Berks, Cornwall, Devon etc 1852-53 p7


When Elizabeth Bowden died in March 1858 she was described as the relict of W Bowden, formerly of the Red Lion Inn.

Exeter Flying Post 1 April 1858 p5 col1

'...a lovely drive brings the traveller to the Red Lion at Ashburton, who receives you with the kindest of hugs, and offeres you Dartmoor mutton cutlets, and fresh trout for supper, you sleep soundly on the softest and cleanest of beds, and dream of the beauties of nature to be enjoyed in your next day's walk to the "Two Bridges" on the moor...

[The writer gets on to the subject of paying the bill]...being at the Red Lion you need have no fear: he will hold out his paw, kindly and reasonably, to receive about one third for double the comfort and equal the gastronomical enjoyments you would have received [elsewhere]...You will go your way rejoicing with money in your pouch, and the knowledge which you will do well to hug to your heart, that you are an Englishman, roaming at your ease, free as air, in that blessed little island called England.

Now, having been right regally entertained at the Red Lion at Ashburton, which in days gone by was a billing and cooing abode for newly-married couples - do not imagine that a similar reception awaits you at the "Two Bridges".'

The Illustrated Magazine, London, 1860, p135


In 1867 John Williams was acquitted of stealing a cash box from Thomas Truran, landlord of the Red Lion. Cordelia Truran, daughter of Thomas, provided evidence.

Western Times 15 March 1867 p7 col3


1875 Richard Merrifield is granted a temporary licence.
Western Times 8 October 1875 p7 col2

At the Petty Sessions of 1876 the licence was transferred from Mr Merryfield to Mr Preston.
Exeter and Plymouth Gazette Daily Telegrams, 29 November 1876, p4 col2

1878 Richard Preston is victualler here, also G W Railway's goods and parcels agent

Omnibuses from the Red Lion (and from the Golden Lion) met all trains

White's History, Gazetteer and Directory of Devon, 1878-79, pp 109, 110

Above and below: The Red Lion, East Street

My own photographs 2013


In 1891 the licence was transferred from Richard Preston to  Frederick Loveys, and in 1894 from Frederick Loveys to Amos Putt.

Western Times 6 March 1891 p7 col2

Totnes Weekly Times 28 July 1894 p3 col1

John Robert Hern is listed in Kelly's Directory 1902
And John Robert Hern is a licensed victualler here in the 1911 census.

Kelly's Directory of Devon & Cornwall, 1902, Part 1: Devon , p32 

http://ancestry.co.uk/


1935 John Robert Hern is listed at the Red Lion in Kelly's Directory

Kelly's Directory of Devonshire 1935, p35

Mr J R Hern finally retired in 1939, having held the licence for 41 years.
Exeter and Plymouth Gazette 31 March 1939 p2 col6

Doris M Pearson was the manageress of the Red Lion in the 1939 register.
1939 register, available through https://www.findmypast.co.uk
                                                    *******

                         Rose and Crown Inn, North and West Street

Above:  2 views of the Rose and Crown in the 1950s.
With many thanks to Lerida Arnold

Below: The  Rose and Crown, sometime in the late 1960s, after the Bullring had gone, but before Jim and Ruby Churchward of the Sun Stores had bought the premises and expanded the shop.
From my own collection
                                                                         

John Cooke was born at the Rose and Crown, 'on the old bridge' in 1765. In a pamphlet quoted by S Baring-Gould, he says that his father was a plasterer and hellier, but later became a publican and maltster.
Devonshire Characters and Strange Events, S Baring-Gould, London 1908 p478ff

See Remarkable and interesting people

Amongst the records of The London Metropolitan Archives is an insurance document for John Cooke of Exeter, saddler - it includes property in West Street, Ashburton
London Metropolitan Archives October 1792, ref MS 11936/391/605728

Some time after 1772 William Gifford wrote a scathing poem about a new sign painted for the Rose and Crown. (see William Gifford under Famous Ashburtonians). According to the poem, the landlord at the time was named Taprill and the carpenter who painted the sign was Daniel Doble:

'Two strangers through the town were walking,

Of this and that and t'other talking.

Till half their journey o'er;

One of them for a moment stood,

And fill'd with vast amazement view'd

The sign at Taprill's door.'

......

'A man came by - "Friend tell us do,

The skillful painter's name who drew

This Rose and Crown so noble."

He bow'd, "then hark'ye gentlemen

If I must tell you flat and plain

'Twas done by Daniel Doble." '

The Selector or Cornish magazine, printed for J. Philp, bookseller, vol 1, Falmouth, 1826, p189


1827 The Rose and Crown formed part of a collection of land and property being sold by auction at the London Inn. Mr. Weeks was the lessee.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette 22 September 1827 p1, cols 3/4

In 1839 a Working Men's Association met at the Rose and Crown. Convened to acquire moral, political and useful knowledge, it also had the aim of promoting voting by ballot, extension of those able to vote and repeal of the corn laws. 

Western Times 26 January 1839 p3 col5

Joseph Collings is listed as landlord in Pigot's 1844 directory.

Pigot's Directory of Berks, Bucks etc. 1844 p6

1845 The Rose and Crown Inn, 'adjoining the Shambles' and described as being the oldest building in the town, was being taken down.

During the demolition a gothic window was found, carved in oak and plastered over.

Western Times 29 March 1845 p3 col4

Western Times 19 April 1845 p3 col3

In July 1846 various land and premises were about to be auctioned at the Sun Inn. The Rose and Crown was one of the buildings: Mr. Collings was the tenant.

Western Times 18 July 1846 p1 col4

Joseph Collins is landlord in White's 1850 directory

History, gazetteer and directory of Devonshire, William White, 1850 p466. 

Freely available on http://books.google.co.uk - Accessed 25-9-2014

Joseph Collings is listed as landlord in Slater's 1852/53 directory. His wife Elizabeth died in July 1852, aged 51 - the newspaper spells his name Collins.

Joseph Collins is described as being of the Rose and Crown when he remarried Mrs. E. Whiteway the following May.

Slater's Directory of Berks, Cornwall, Devon etc 1852-53 p7

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette 31 July 1852 p5 col6

Exeter Flying Post 5 May 1853 p8 col6

1857 Joseph Collings of the Rose and Crown was fined 6d and 5s expenses for giving a pint of beer to a young man on a Sunday morning. The young man had been helping him fill his brewing furnace with water.

Western Times 21 November 1857 p6 col5

In 1864 John Grant, hatter, and John Jonathan, tin-plate worker, were accused in the police court of assaulting Henry Mugford of the Rose and Crown. Grant had been hitting his wife in the parlour of the public house, and after Henry had told Grant to be quiet he had left the room. Jugs and glasses were then smashed, and Henry returned and removed a jug of beer. Grant and Jonathan followed Henry back into the bar and a fight ensued. As well as the assault on Mr Mugford Grant was also charged with attacking Sergeant Cole, and causing damage when he was locked in a cell. Grant was fined a total of £7 13s fine, costs and damages, and Jonathan was fined a total of 12s 6d.  

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette 4 Nov 1864 p7 col2


In 1866 a 40 year old married man, lodging in Okehampton, had a relationship with a 20 year old woman. He 'induced her to elope with him', and in due course the couple arrived in Ashburton and stayed at the Rose and Crown, saying that they were man and wife. A letter was sent to the landlady of the previous lodgings in Okehampton, and the postman, seeing the Ashburton postmark, suspected that it was from one of the pair. He informed the parents, and the police returned the young woman to them.

The North Devon Journal 21 June 1866 p2 col6


1871 census. Henry Mugford is the licensed victualler.

http://www.ancestry.co.uk/

See the 1870s section of the Virtual museum for a pub token that is probably from this time.

1876 Transferred from James Westaway to Wm Baker
Exeter and Plymouth Gazette 29 March 1876 p4 col1

At the Petty Sessions of November 1876 the licence was transferred from Mr Mortimer to Mr Clarke.
Exeter and Plymouth Gazette Daily Telegrams, 29 November 1876, p4 col2


1878 Elon Clarke is carpenter and victualler here

White's History, Gazetteer and Directory of Devon, 1878-79, p108

In 1899 the license of the Rose and Crown, 'beerhouse' was transferred from Frank White to John Coombes.

East and South Devon Advertiser, 21 January 1899, p5 col2


John Coombes is the licensed victualler here in the 1901 census
And John Coombes is listed in Kelly's Directory 1902

1901 census RG13, piece no. 2053, folio 24, p13

Kelly's Directory of Devon & Cornwall, 1902, Part 1: Devon , p32

Above: The Rose and Crown is the building on the left in the foreground, as seen from North Street.
From my own collection

Left:
A later view of the Rose and Crown.
From Tereena Ravenscroft's collection. Many thanks to Tereena for this




Samuel Honeywill is the innkeeper and pensioner here in the 1911 census

In 1915 Samuel Honeywill was serving with the Royal Marine Artillery when he heard that his only son, Lance Corp Cecil Honeywill, had been killed. Aged 19, he was with the 2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards.

http://ancestry.co.uk/

Western Times 29 April 1915 p3 col2

1935 Arthur George Higman is listed at the Rose and Crown in Kelly's Directory

Kelly's Directory of Devonshire 1935, p35

                                                      *****

                                               The Royal Oak
Above: The Royal Oak, East St.
My own photograph 2016

Elizabeth Parr, widow, left a will which was proved in 1799. In it she gave her 'leasehold messuage or dwelling house called by the name of the Royal Oak Inn situate in East Street and an ____ [herb?] garden situate in Cadd Lane belonging to the said dwelling house both in the Borough of Ashburton aforesaid' to her granddaughter Mary Ann Harding, for her sole and separate use. The inheritance was not to be liable for any debts incurred by Mary Ann's husband, Charles, or any future husband. Mary Ann's son, Charles Winchelsea Harding, is mentioned in the will.
She appointed Herny Gervis, surgeon, and William Fabyan, sergemaker as her trustees to administer the estate.
Ref PROB 11/1326/42, National Archives, 1799 https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/

Mr W Hill, formerly of the Royal Oak Inn in Ashburton, died on the 22nd February, 1840. For many years he had been living in a small cottage on the bank of the River Dart, about two miles away from the town. He was 84.
Western Times 29 February 1840 p2 col5

William Michelmore died aged 68 in September 1846. He had been the landlord of the Royal Oak Inn for some years, and had been 'brewer of the that excellent beverage, Ashburton Pop'.
Western Times 12 September 1846, p5 col1

George White, landlord of the Royal Oak, died, aged 61, in July 1842
Sherborne Mercury 30 July 1842 p4 col3

Phillipa White is listed as landlady in Pigot's 1844 directory.
Philippa White is landlady in White's 1850 directory
Pigot's Directory of Berks, Bucks etc. 1844 p6
History, gazetteer and directory of Devonshire, William White, 1850 p466.
Freely available on http://books.google.co.uk - Accessed 25-9-2014

Mary Ann White is listed as landlady in Slater's 1852/53 directory.
4 October 1855 Mary Ann White of the Royal Oak Inn married Joseph Grant
The following January the licence of the Royal Oak passed from Mary Ann to her husband Joseph Grant
Slater's Directory of Berks, Cornwall, Devon etc 1852-53 p7
Western Times 6 October 1855 p5 col4
Exeter Flying Post 3 Jan 1856 p7 col6

James Truman, aged 50, died at the Royal Oak Inn in July 1874.
Western Times 4 August 1874 p5 col2

The licence was transferred to Mrs Truman in September of the same year.
Western Daily Mercury 24 September 1874, p3 col3

1878 Mrs Jemima Truman is Victualler here
White's History, Gazetteer and Directory of Devon, 1878-79, p110 

1894 John Gerry, of the Royal Oak Inn, is charged with having 17 unstamped and 2 unjust measures.
 Exeter and Plymouth Gazette 24 April 1894 p7 col5

For more on this case, and on weights and measures, see the Bread and Ale sub-section of Gathering Together

There was a fire at the Royal Oak in May 1899. Mrs Gerry left the building for a few minutes, and returned to find dense smoke coming from the windows. The Fire Service arrived promptly, but had difficulty finding the source of the fire, which was eventually found to be the kitchen. There was extensive damage, but it was covered by insurance.
Western Times 9 May 1899 p5 col7

Bryan Brown is listed in Kelly's Directory 1902

Kelly's Directory of Devon & Cornwall, 1902, Part 1: Devon , p32

Francis Robertson is head of house at the Royal Oak in the 1911 census, but describes himself as a Letterpress printer.

He gives evidence in 1914 in a case brought against Frederick Eggbeer (see item on the Golden Fleece), and is described as the proprietor of the Royal Oak.

http://ancestry.co.uk/

Western Times 31 July 1914 p14, col1

"My Grandparents, Mr William Martin and Mrs Beatrice Dorothy Martin, took over The Royal Oak in 1921 where they stayed for 10 years

Later they ran a tobacconist and greengrocers shop which my Mum managed. It was 17 East St., at the bottom of Stapledon Lane".

Thanks to Christine Lunt for the above item

 

1935 Wm Thos Marshall is listed at the Royal Oak in Kelly's Directory

Kelly's Directory of Devonshire 1935, p35

In the 1939 register William Thomas Marshall is a licensed victualler at the Royal Oak. Alice J Marshall is in the same household.

1939 register, available through https://www.findmypast.co.uk

Mr and Mrs S W Kendall ran the inn at one stage. Receipts for a bed and breakfast stay show the telephone number as 444. A single room cost £1, a double £2.

Item sold online, not in my possession

If S W Kendall is the Stanley W Kendall who got married in the Newton Abbot registration district in the September quarter of 1942 (as seems likely), this would put the receipts at post 1942.

https://www.freebmd.org.uk

After a period of closure, the Royal Oak was renamed The Hound of the Baskervilles and re-opened in March 2017

                                                      *******

                                                      Seven Stars, East Street

1745 A deed in the Torquay Natural History Collection at the Devon Heritage Centre refers to 'Banksbrim dwelling-house in East Street called the Sign of the Seven Stars.'
Devon Heritage Centre 18 January 1745 48/14/137/8 

In 1838 a dinner was held at the Seven Stars after a day's hunting. Henry Mardles was the host.
Western Times 24 November 1838 p3 col2

John Nash is a publican in East Street in the 1841 census.
John Nash is listed as landlord in Pigot's 1844 directory.
http://www.ancestry.co.uk/
Pigot's Directory of Berks, Bucks etc. 1844 p6

May 30th 1845. Ann, wife of Mr John Nash of the Seven Stars Inn, died aged 44.
On November 27th 1845 John Nash of the Seven Stars Inn married Mary Easterbrook.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette 7 June 1845 p3 col1
Exeter and Plymouth Gazette 6 December 1845 p2 col7

The following year the Seven Stars was available to let, 'an excellent opportunity to persons of small capital.'
The inn offered stabling and a skittle alley.
Western Times 2 May 1846 p4 col2

John Nash died of cholera at Kent in 1849, leaving a widow and 4 children. He had been a member of the Loyal Ashburton Lodge of Odd Fellows.
Western Times 18 August 1849 p4 col5

1848  Thos Brock was summoned selling cider after eleven o'clock on December 9th.
'The Bench did not appear to put much faith in the witness' named Trist, and the case was dismissed.
Western Times 30 December 1848 p7 col2

 In 1850 a confidence trickster was at large in the area. Respectably dressed, he appeared to be taken ill, and was looked after by charitable people until 'well enough' to continue on his travels. He was now back in Ashburton, having been in the town the previous year, when he had been taken to the Seven Stars after collapsing in the street. Allegedly going on to Plymouth, he had on that occasion settled in Buckfastleigh the next day, where he appeared very adept at playing cards.
Western Times 30 March 1850 p5 col3

Thomas Brock is landlord in White's 1850 directory
History, gazetteer and directory of Devonshire, William White, 1850 p466. Freely available on http://books.google.co.uk - Accessed 25-9-2014

In February 1851 the Seven Stars Public House together with the Blue Anchor Public House and other houses in East House, is property mentioned in an Assignment in Trust. The document is held at the Devon Heritage Centre.
Devon Heritage Centre ref 5047M/F/2
http://devon-cat.swheritage.org.uk/records/5047M/F/2                                                                     

 

Thomas Brock is a tailor and victualler in the 1851 census, in the Seven Stars in East Street
Thomas Brock is listed as landlord in Slater's 1852/53 directory.
http://www.ancestry.co.uk/
Slater's Directory of Berks, Cornwall, Devon etc 1852-53 p7

1854 Mr and Mrs Mardles, formerly of the Seven Stars Inn, had been married for over 60 years. Their combined ages added up to 167.

In the 1851 census Henry Mardles describes himself as a retired innkeeper, and is living with his wife Mary in Cad Lane.
Western Times 18 March 1850 p7 col5
http://www.ancestry.co.uk/

Henry Mardles died at the Newton Abbot Union in 1859, aged 87. He was described as being the landlord of the Seven Stars for a number of years.
Western Times 15 January 1859 p5 col3

1905 At a meeting of the Ashburton Urban District Council it was decided to prosecute Mr J H Foaden, himself a member of the council, for not erecting a hoarding around a building on the site of the Seven Stars Inn in East Street.
Exeter and Plymouth Gazette 5 September 1905 p3 col6

 

                                                        *******

                                            The Spread Eagle Inn

'About eighty years ago....screens [from the Church]....were broken up, part sold for a small sum, and the residue were lodged in an outhouse of the Spread Eagle Inn...and at last used as wood for lighting fires.
Exeter and Plymouth Gazette 2 December 1848 p7 col4

Settlement examination 1834. Sarah Hazeland, widow of Thomas Hazeland. Her husband took the Spread Eagle Inn in Ashburton about fifteen years ago for less than a year.
http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk - Accessed 15-11-2014

                                                           *******

                                               Sun Inn, North Street

1824, 1825, 1826, 1827 Thomas Foaden, Sun Inn
Quarter sessions Victuallers' Recognizances, Devon Heritage Centre ref QS/63/3/12/027
Quarter sessions Victuallers' Recognizances, Devon Heritage Centre ref QS/63/5/01/115
Quarter sessions Victuallers' Recognizances, Devon Heritage Centre ref QS/63/7/10/009
Quarter sessions Victuallers' Recognizances, Devon Heritage Centre ref QS/63/7/06/020

1827 The Rose and Crown formed part of a collection of land and property being sold by auction at the London Inn. Mr. Foader was the lessee.
Exeter and Plymouth Gazette 22 September 1827 p1, cols 3/4

1828 Thomas Sanders, Sun Inn
Quarter sessions Victuallers' Recognizances, Devon Heritage Centre ref QS/63/6/09/126

Joseph Varnham of the Sun Inn was selling 10 couple of 'First rate harriers' in March 1842. The hounds were of a 'very superior breed' and 20 inches high.
Western Times 26 March 1842, p2 col5

In 1843 The Sun was to be let with immediate possession. Occupied for many years by Mr Varnham, this inn was situated in North Street with 'immediate connection' to the Shambles and Corn Market.

The brewing utensils, stock, furniture etc. were to be valued 'in the usual manner.'
Exeter and Plymouth Gazette 2 December 1843 p2 col3

Joseph Varnham is listed as landlord in Pigot's 1844 directory.
Pigot's Directory of Berks, Bucks etc. 1844 p6

1846 Thomas Johnson, of the Sun Inn, ran a 'spring van' every Friday to Exeter. People from Ashburton could now visit Exeter for the day, returning in the evening.
Western Times 14 March 1846 p6 col4

In July 1846 various land and premises were about to be auctioned at the Sun Inn. The inn itself was one of the buildings: Mr. Johnson was the tenant.
Western Times 18 July 1846 p1 col4

Thomas Johnson is landlord in White's 1850 directory
History, gazetteer and directory of Devonshire, William White, 1850 p466.
Freely available on http://books.google.co.uk - Accessed 25-9-2014

A fire in the bar of Johnson's Sun Inn caused damage to furniture and the beer engine in January 1850. The building was insured with the Sun office.
Western Courier, West of England Conservative, Plymouth and Devonport Advertiser, 31 January 1850, p8 col5

24 April 1851 John Knowling married Lucy Johnson. Lucy was the daughter of Thomas Johnson, 'late of the Sun Inn'.
Western Times 26 April 1851 p5 col4 

1851 census. Thomas Foaden is an innkeeper in North Street
http://www.ancestry.co.uk/

Thomas Fodden is listed as landlord in Slater's 1852/53 directory.
Slater's Directory of Berks, Cornwall, Devon etc 1852-53 p7

A dispute went to court in 1855 between W R Whiteway and John Foaden (Thomas Foaden's son), over who was responsible for paying for malt supplied by Mr. Whiteway.
John Foaden's parents had returned to the Sun Inn when Mr Johnstone left it in 1851. Malt had been supplied to Mr Foaden's parents, but at the request of their son; there was also the question of how involved John and his wife were in the running of the inn. At one stage it was asserted that both the defendant and the the defendant's wife had assisted at the inn during fair-days and holidays, but when Thomas Foaden, John's father, died in 1852, the name over the door was changed from Thomas Foaden to that of Thomas's wife. There was no indication that John had a substantial role in running the inn.
When called to the stand John Foaden said that his father had been landlord of the Sun Inn before the London Inn, and had always wanted to return.
Judgement was given for the defendant.
Western Times 1 September 1855 p7 col3

1860 The driver of a horse and cart was taken before J S Amery, Magistrate, following an accident. The driver had previously been drinking in Warn's Sun Inn.
The 1861 census shows Joseph Warn at the Sun Inn, Innkeeper and copper miner.
Exeter and Plymouth Gazette 6 October 1860 p6 col6
http://www.freecen.org.uk/

In January 1870 an inquest was held on John Butchers, landlord of the Sun Inn, who had committed suicide by hanging. He had recently been fined by magistrates for keeping a disorderly house, and had confided to one witness that 'his troubles were great'. Dr Gervis also testified that Mr Butchers had been in low spirits, in contrast to his usual cheerfulness. He was 49.

The jury returned a verdict 'that the deceased hung himself whilst in an unsound state of mind.'
Western Morning News 10 January 1870, p3 col1

1871 census. John Hines is an innkeeper (written in brackets) and labourer. The inn is next door to the Rose and Crown, which is on the corner of North Street and West Street.
http://www.ancestry.co.uk/

1878 John Hines is victualler at the 'Swan Inn'. Presumably this should be the Sun Inn.
White's History, Gazetteer and Directory of Devon, 1878-79, p109

John Hines is an ag lab and publican here in the 1881 census
http://www.ancestry.co.uk

In 1894 the license transferred from Bryan Brown to John Pearse.
Totnes Weekly Times 28 July 1894 p3 col1  
    
In 1898 the licence of the Sun Inn was transferred from Geo Taylor to John Butler.
Western Times 3 June 1898, p7 col5

John Butler is a publican here in the 1901 census.With him is his wife Elizabeth and their daughters 10 year old Minnie and 1 year old Mabel.

http://www.findmypast.co.uk/


William Butler is listed in Kelly's Directory 1902
But John Butler is still a publican here in the 1911 census.
Kelly's Directory of Devon & Cornwall, 1902, Part 1: Devon , p32
http://ancestry.co.uk/


Above: A postcard dated 1905, addressed to Miss (Minnie) Butler.
From my own collection.
The census shows that John was born in Newton Abbot circa 1860, and his wife Elizabeth (née Baker) was born in Ilsington around 1864. They married in 1890
https://www.freebmd.org.uk Elizabeth's maiden name confirmed in their children's birth references

on http://www.gro.gov.uk

1935 Arth Lakin is listed at the Sun Inn in Kelly's Directory
Kelly's Directory of Devonshire 1935, p35

 

                                                                       *******

                                                                 The Town Arms

Below: The Town Arms, North Street

From my own collection

In 1820 Richard Halls, a cabinet-maker of Ashburton, issued a public apology for remarks that he had made in the Town Arms concerning Robert Palk JP. Robert Palk had demanded the apology, together with the payment of some expenses, in return for not prosecuting Mr Halls.

Exeter Flying Post 31 August 1820 p1 col4


Richard Mugford is listed as landlord in Pigot's 1844 directory. And is still there in White's 1850 directory

Pigot's Directory of Berks, Bucks etc. 1844 p6

History, gazetteer and directory of Devonshire, William White, 1850 p466. 

Freely available on http://books.google.co.uk - Accessed 25-9-2014


1850 Henry Caunter, an Ashburton artist, painted a portrait of the Devon wrestling champion Abraham Cann, after he visited Ashburton. The painting was then raffled, and was won by Robert Mugford of the Town Arms

Western Times 9 February 1850 p5 col4

For more on this story see the Historical visitors' book in the sub-menu of the Gathering Together section.

The portrait is now in the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery, Exeter. For a biography of Abraham Cann by the curator, and to see an image of the painting, go to http://www.livinghere.org.uk/ and search under 'Cann'

 

Robert Mugford is still listed as landlord in Slater's 1852/53 directory.
Slater's Directory of Berks, Cornwall, Devon etc 1852-53 p7

Richard Bunclark, of Ashburton, met up with his nephew, Mr John Wakeham of Staverton, at the Town Arms Inn in 1852. Their combined ages were 181: Mr Bunclark was 97 and Mr Wakeham 84
Western Times 25 September 1852 p7 col5

 1854. The licence is transferred from Robert Mugford to John Angel

And the inn is described as Angel's Town Arms when an inquest is held there on Sarah Cater in 1854
Western Times 1 April 1854 p7 col2
Western Times 9 December 1854 p7 col4

Robert Mugford had died before the end of the year. Aged 45, and described as the landlord of the Town Arms 'for many years', he died at Exminster Asylum.

Western Times 23 December 1854 p5 col2

 

1856 An advertisement in the Western Times announces that John Angel , formerly of the Town Arms, is now proprietor of the London Inn.

Western Times 29 November 1856 p4 col4

 

The wife of John Smerdon of the Town Arms gives birth to a son in January 1858

Western Times 16 January 1858 p5 col1

 

1873 John Smerdon, having just left the Town Arms, seems to be seeking a licence for new premises in North Street. Permission is refused.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette 3 October 1873 p7 col5

See also Odds and Ends, below.

 

 1878 James Stephens is victualler here

White's History, Gazetteer and Directory of Devon, 1878-79, p110

 

Frank Whiteway is an innkeeper here in the 1901 census

http://www.findmypast.co.uk/


And Philip Francis Whiteway is listed in Kelly's in 1902 

Kelly's Directory of Devon & Cornwall, 1902, Part 1: Devon , p33

1907 Charles, the youngest son of Mr Eales of the Town Arms Inn, was involved in an accident.
Exeter and Plymouth Gazette 1 July 1907 p6 col5

Bryan Brown is a house painter and inn keeper here in the 1911 census.
http://ancestry.co.uk/

In September 1927 Rendell and Sawdye sold various premises belonging to the Kingskerswell Brewery.

Mr S J Dunstan, tenant of the Town Arms, bought the premises for £1050

Western Times 30 September 1927 p9 col2


1935 Jack Dunstan is listed at the Town Arms in Kelly's Directory
When the licence was up for renewal in that year, it was stated that the tenant had been in occupation since 1912.

Kelly's Directory of Devonshire 1935, p35

Western Times 14 June 1935 p14 col2

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                                                              The Tuns Public House.
'These were indeed prosperous times for the "Mermaid", the "Three Tuns", the "Rose and Crown" (beloved of the wool staplers), the "Barnstaple Inn" (the resting place of the packhorses), the "Sun" (frequented by the butchers), and the "Duke's Head" with its front all but covered by a huge fresco painting of the victor of Culloden'.
Devon, the Shire of the Sea Kings, issued by the Great Western Rail Company, 1908, p118-119

This inn is mentioned in 1821 in connection with Mr Troake.
Exeter Flying Post 13 December 1821 p4 col2


Nath. Treake is shown at the Three Tuns in West Street in Pigot's Directory for 1822/23
http://genuki.cs.ncl.ac.uk/DEV/Ashburton/
AshburtonPigotPre1830.html- Accessed 23-6-2014

The Three Tuns was to be let at Lady Day 1830. The premises consisted of a parlour, bar, kitchen, cellar and brewhouse. It had seven bedrooms and 3 stables, plus a malt house and two fields if wanted.
Sherborne Mercury 8 March 1830, p4 col5

An article on Ashburton in 1881 mentions the remains of two old inns, 'likely soon to be lost'. One was the Mermaid, and the other the Three Tuns in West Street, 'through which an archway gives access to the churchyard'.
Western Morning News 24 June 1881, p4 col1

                                                      *******

                                               The Victoria Inn

1860 Mr Luscombe was granted a spirit licence for the Victoria Inn.
Exeter and Plymouth Gazette 1 September 1860 p6 col5

1877 The licence was transferred from the late Mr. Luscombe to his widow.
1877 The licence was transferred from Mrs Elizabeth Luscombe to Mr Robert Bearne.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette 31 January 1877 p4 col3

Western Times 3 August 1877 p7 col1


Below right: The Victoria Inn, North Street

My own photograph 2013

1878 Robert Bearne is victualler here

White's History, Gazetteer and Directory of Devon, 1878-79, p108

1878 The licence was transferred from Mr Robert Bearne to Joseph Skinner
Joseph Skinner is publican and labourer at the Victoria Inn in the 1881 census. He is living there with his wife Harriett

Western Times 6 December1878 p7 col1

http://www.ancestry.co.uk/


1892 The licence is transferred to Isaac Holdfield

Western Times 8 April 1892 p8 col5

Samuel Doddridge is listed in Kelly's Directory 1902
And Samuel Doddridge is a publican here in the 1911 census.

Kelly's Directory of Devon & Cornwall, 1902, Part 1: Devon , p32

http://ancestry.co.uk/

 

1935 Wm Rd Daniel is listed at the Victoria Inn in Kelly's Directory

Kelly's Directory of Devonshire 1935, p35

                                                                       

Above: Victoria Inn outing, with names on reverse. Date unknown.
Many thanks to Richard and Frances Berry for this photograph


Below: A later outing - the 1960s. The men are believed to be:
Jack Woodgate, Dave Knowles, Cyril Bray, Charlie Hext, Edgar Bray, Gint Rezeptka, George Stone, Bill Denham, Mr Cottle, Frank Morgan, Sgt Maj Hodge-Brooks, Freddy Cunnion. The landlord was Jim Nancarrow. The man standing on the weighing machine (extreme left) might have been the coach driver; the man on the far right might have been Bill Grimes Snr.
Many thanks to George Stone for both the photograph and the information.

                                                                      

 

                                                                     Odds and Ends

1661 Settlement by lease and release 12 Charles II

(1) Walter Gruite the elder of Aishberton, yeo and (2) William Dench of Aishberton, innholder. Messuage called Warmestall alias Warmestable.
Held at Devon Record Officei ref 48/14/66/6a-b

William Dench inholder also appears in other documents in the Devon Record Office:
1672 ref 48/14/69/6  and 48/14/69/7

1680 ref 48/14/69/8a-b

                                                                      *******

1708 Assignment of the residue of 1000 years 7 Anne

(1) Samuel Wotton of Engleborne and (2) Joseph Warkman of Aishburton, innholder. Close of land adjoing Balland Way.

Ref 48/14/68/15


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Ashburton museum has a stoneware bottle with W. Hill, wine and spirit merchant, written on it.


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February 1828. When Antony and Joanah Turner's son James is baptized, Antony is described as an innkeeper.

Ashburton baptisms 1822-1829 Devon FHS 2006


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When William and Susanna Weeks' daughter, Maria, is baptised in 1831, William is described as an innkeeper.

Ashburton baptisms 1830-1840 Devon FHS 2006


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 1873 Mr F Watts, on behalf of Mr John Smerdon, is refused a licence to sell beer and wine over the counter from premises in North Street. It seems that John Smerdon had just left the Town Arms, and that the licence for the inn was being transferred to the new occupier. Presumably Mr Smerdon was seeking a licence for premises not previously licensed.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette 3 October 1873 p7 col5

                                                                            *******

1878 Thomas Hext is listed as a Builder, furniture broker, baker and beer house in North Street.

White's History, Gazetteer and Directory of Devon, 1878-79, p109


                                                                   *******

1895 The portreeve, Mr. Stephen Yolland, revived the custom of walking the parish boundary. Refreshments for the occasion, courtesy of Mr. Mortimer, were supplied at the Ashburton Brewery.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette 25 October 1895 p2 col1


In September 1927 Rendell and Sawdye sold various premises belonging to the Kingskerswell Brewery.

Mr F J Badcock bought the Old Brewery for £150.

Western Times 30 September 1927 p9 col2


Rendells bought the Old Brewery, Stonepark, in the 1970s, and converted it into auction rooms. It is still being used for that purpose today (2015)

http://www.rendells.co.uk/

Above: Rendells Auction Rooms, once The Old Brewery.
My own photograph 2015