Welcome To the history of Innes and Public houses of
Tenbury Wells.
The History of Tenbury Inns and Pubs was researched by Mr.Dave
Morrison but unfortunately when he was halfway through the research he
died, so Howard Miller secretary of the Tenbury
Historical Society took on the task of completing.
We thank him and Mrs. Morrison for their permission and
help.
Beer And Cider.
Ale was made from water and malt barley and in the 16th century hops were introduced
to
flavour and preserve the beer. 'Small beer' was made from inferior materials
and needed the hops. It was a cheap drink which was popular with the poor. Hops
were also used to preserve 'Small cider' which was made from second pressing
of apples. These drinks were used as part payment of labourer's wages.
Another ingredient of beer was malted barley and there were specialist
malsters and malt houses in Tenbury. Two of the Malthouses still remain from
the 18th century.
Duty was imposed on cider and perry in March, 1763 making an additional 4/-
on a hogshead. This act was repealed on 5th July 1766 amid great rejoicings.
The following is a quote from a local newspaper, the Hereford Journal of 1766.
'Tenbury received the agreeable news of the Royal Assent being given to the
bill for repealing the late Cider acts, which diffused a general joy throughout
the Town. The post boy who brought the good tidings, was dressed in ribbands
at the Post Office to proceed on his stage to Ludlow. The bells were immediately
set ringing and were rung for four days. Several sheep were roasted whole and
large quantities of bread and potatoes were provided and barrels of cider were
drawn out at The Market Cross and given to the poor. Boughs of apple tree hung
with gilt apples were exhibited at the bonfires. It was though really very effecting
to see the people express their gratitude to His Majesty by carrying in procession
a curios garland crowned with gilded apples from one end to the other of this
'little town in the orchard' preceeded by music playing God save the King, the
bells clamming at the same time and the populace, at proper intervals proclaiming
their joy with the loudest acclamations.
In the 1920's the pubs in Tenbury used provide breakfast at1/6d ( Round of Gammon
and 2 eggs, as much bread and butter and tea as you wanted ). Roast Dinners
were 2/- (10 p in new money).
Pubs used to organise outings - members paid 6d (2.5p) per week and
the outing then cost 10/-(50p). You had bread, cheese and pickle as a snack
and ham and beef were brought and carved for lunch. You went to a pub for a
cooked meal.
TENBURY'S PUBS
Research has so far, revealed the names of thirty eight, Taverns, Alehouses,
Public-Houses or Beer and Cider houses which have existed for various periods
of time over the last 400 years. There must have been many more as is evidenced
by entries found in the Quarter Session records for Michaelmas 1720 'Presentment
by Constable of Tenbury. Thos. Ward Snr, Hatter and innholder, a disorderly
house on the Lords Day during divine service and gaming at the same time.' Was
this one of the public houses we shall refer to or is it one that we have yet
to discover.
One of the problems encountered in searching out the history of Tenbury's licensed
establishments is the lack of licensing records prior to 1903. There have been
many Royal patents and decrees, Acts of Parliaments and local regulations relating
to the sale of alcoholic beverages and the house that dispensed them but not
many of these records survive. Many records have been destroyed but other were
probably mislaid due to the many reorganisations that the Counties and the Local
Authorities have undergone in the last 150 years. In particular all the Petty
Session records for Tenbury seem to have vanished entirely.
A good deal of information has been derived from the directories which were
published by different houses, the predominant publisher being Kelly. Kelly
only prints at four yearly intervals so there are gaps. In the earlier directories
entries had to be paid for and the absence of a name dose not mean that trading
had ceased. From 1903 the names of owners and landlords have been taken from
the licensing registers located at Hereford Magistrates Court.
The busiest period would seem to be around the part of the 19th century when
15 named houses were recorded within Tenbury Township with one at Sutton three
at Oldwood one at St Michaels. In addition there was the Swan and the Rose and
Crown just over the water. There were also numerous Beer and Cider retailers,
listed by their personal names only and trading without the benefit of a 'House
Sins'
Many houses and beer retailers did not trade for too long and that is no great
surprise for competition must have been pretty fierce. A good many of the landlords
are listed as having another occupation, operating from the same premises: one
can surmise that the other occupation was necessary to make ends meet.
To read and see more of the past public houses in Tenbury Wells Click
here... |
