Beer Retailers

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shrewsmido
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I'm researching my 2x Great Grandfather, William Wood, who I've founded listed in the 1911 census as living as an innkeeper at Anchor Inn, 89 Mill Bank, Wellington and as a beer retailer in the Kellys Directories (1909 and 1913). 

Firstly, does anybody know what the difference is (if any) between an innkeeper and a beer retailer? 

Secondly, I cannot find any reference to the Inn on the internet or on a OS map of Wellington in 1901. From using the census it looks to be next door to the Swan Inn on Watling Street. Does this mean he would be selling beer from his home, more like a shop than a pub?

Thanks in advance. Alex.

penbex86
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Hi Alex

There appears to be a distinction, albeit a confusing one. Someone hear may know a little more about it but from a gogole search, I got the following info for you to consider:

This is an Analysis of the Beer Retailers of Yorkshire but gives some good background info on definitions etc - particularly with reference to census input.

... and a definition of beer retailers is given on this website:

To start things off here's a legal definition of beer retailer:

The Law times reports, volume 62 (1890)
In the year 1830, the first Beerhouse Act (1 Will. 4, c. 64) had been passed, which created what are well known as beerhouses.

Under that Act licences were granted to sell beer on or off the premises, and one of the qualifications was that the applicant should be a resident occupier, but in this Act of 1830 no definition was given of a '"beer retailer."

In 1834 an amending Act (4 & 5 Will. 4. c. 85) was passed, and in sect. 19 of that Act it was set out,

"Whereas doubts are entertained as to what is a selling of beer or cider or perry by retail," be it enacted, "that every sale of any beer, or of any cider or perry, in any less quantity than four gallons and a half, shall be deemed and taken to be a selling by retail."

So that under that section any person who sold beer in a less quantity than four and a half gallons was a beer retailer

penbex86
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In terms of OS maps. You can view extracts and order full copies on http://www.old-maps.co.uk. I would suggest using the postcode TF1 1SD and then moving it south down Mill Bank towards the junction.

Mill Bank is on a junction with Watling Street and there is still a PH (now called the Swan Hotel) on the junction corner. The opposite side of the road is the Cock Inn. Google Maps Here

The same situation exists on the first 1881 Town Plan on old-maps.co.uk

The pubs (at present) use a Watling Street North address and from what I can see from the google Street View, no 77 is the last remaining building on Mill Bank (now Catrdidge World north of the pub car park).

What my interest you is the 1927 map on old-maps.co.uk which shows a Malthouse next to the Swan Inn (where the motorbike shop/garage is now).

Some food for thought :)

Good luck!

Might be worth emailing archives@shropshire.gov.uk to see if they have any photos/maps of the Anchor Inn recorded.

penbex86
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It would look like 89 (when you count back from the existing no.77) is the one directly adjacent the pub like you suggested. It has outbuildings extending out to the courtyard at the rear...

From searching the Kelly Directory for "Mill Bank", there is other beer retailers in that area. Common trade it would seem.

Heather Duckett
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Joined: Saturday, 27-08-2011

Hi Alex

There is an A4 booklet published in 1996 by the Wellington Civic Society called Public Houses in Wellington from 1800 (no isbn) which has the following information:

THE ANCHOR, Mill Bank  - Information about the premises has been taken from the returns of licensed houses in the petty sessional district of Wellington in 1896.

Type of licence   - Beerhouse - 7 day

Owner    - James Lee, Lycett, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffs

Occupier   - Jane Blockley

Rateable value   - £15. 16s. 0d

Number of rooms   - 3 down, 3 up

Stabling for   - 1 horse

Type of trade   - Ironworkers and miners

The compilers then add: "The owner/occupier from 1905 to 1933 was William Wood who sold out to the Shropshire Brewery Co, Holyhead Road. The premises closed down in October 1916 but continued in use as a private dwelling until it was finally demolished to make way for the Swan Hotel car park"

[The old Swan was demolished and rebuilt 1959]

Heather

penbex86
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Great find Heather!

shrewsmido
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Last seen: 10 years 43 weeks ago
Joined: Saturday, 1-09-2012

Thanks to both of you for all the information!

It's great to finally see his name in writing and to put to bed some questions.

I was in The Cock Hotel (opposite) the day you replied with the information where the landlord pulled out the booklet you have mentioned. Strange how these things work out!

Thanks again :)