Bristol brownware with handle.
Potter: not marked.
Image courtesy Roger Pellow.
William Rosser was born in Bristol in 1777, baptised 20 July 1777 at Temple Church, son of William Rossor and wife Mary. William Rosser married Ann Williams at St. Philip & Jacob's Church on 29 August 1816. He was living at 48 St. Michael's Hill in 1818. In June 1830 he imported 10 Hogsheads of Brandy from Charente aboard the Jesse. William died on 10 October 1835 after a long and lingering illness "borne with calm resignation to the Divine Will", aged 58, he was buried at St. Mary Redcliffe on 20 October. William's widow Ann Rosser remained as licensee of the Myrtle Tree until she remarried to Thomas Whittington in 1838.
| Small Flat Sided Saltglaze Stoneware Flagon | |
| Impressed:
W. Rosser / 74 Redcliff Hill / Bristol Bristol brownware with handle. Potter: not marked. Image courtesy Roger Pellow. |
Thomas Whittington was born in
Bristol around 1788, son of Richard Whittington. His first marriage was to
Ann (Caswell?) Ball, at Bedminster St. John, on 30 Aug. 1810. Children of
Thomas and Ann Caswell Whittington were:
George Ball Caswell Whittington; bapt. 26 July 1812 at St. James, Bristol.
William Ball Caswell Whittington; bapt. 27 Jan. 1813 at Temple, Bristol.
George Henry Ball Whittington; bapt. 8 May 1816 at Temple, Bristol.
George Ball Caswell Whittington; bapt. 8 Apr. 1818 at Temple, Bristol.
Edward Ball Caswell Whittington; bapt. 31 May 1819 at Temple, Bristol.
Frederick Baynton Whittington; born 5 Nov. 1820, bapt. 25 Nov. 1829 at
Temple, Bristol.
Marianne Ball Whittington; bapt. 4 Apr. 1824 at St. James, Bristol. Bur. 1
Dec. 1833 age 9 at St. James.
Thomas Joachim Ball Whittington; bapt. 30 Jul. 1826 at St. Philip &
Jacob, Bristol. (11 wks old).
There is a Mary Caswell Whittington recorded as being buried at St. James, Bristol on 9 June 1837 age 45. Is she Ann, Maryann or Mary Ann or a transcription error? There was a Mariann Ball daughter of William and Elizabeth baptised at St. Mary Redcliff on 11 Mar. 1787.
Thomas Whittington married for a second time to widow Ann Rosser, née Williams at St. Mary Redcliff on 22 Feb. 1838 and took on the Myrtle Tree vaults.
From the Bristol Times and Mirror -
Saturday 14 August 1841, page 3: To be auctioned at the Ship Inn on 24th
Aug. "All that MESSUAGE or DWELLING-HOUSE, situate on REDCLIFF HILL, in
the Parish of St. Mary Redcliff, adjoining the Vicarage House there, in
the occupation Mr. Thomas Whittington, as Yearly Tenant, containing a
spacious Shop, Outhouses, Cellars, and Premises, wherein the business of a
Licensed Victualler and Spirit Dealer has been for many rears extensively
carried on.
The above Premises are held under Lease, granted by the Feoffees St. Mary
Redcliff Church Lands, for a Term of 99 years, commencing 24 January,
1835, for three Lives, then aged respectively 52, 49 and 43 Years, all of
whom are living in England. Subject the Annual Rent of 20s." On the 1855
Ashmead map, Vicarage House is situated behind no. 74 on the West side of
Redcliff Hill, the premises would have been on the right hand of the
vicarage approach from the hill. In the 1841 census Thomas is listed as an
Auctioneer age 53 living with wife Ann age 67 and son Frederick age 20.
From the Bristol Mirror - Saturday 25 June 1842 page 8: Deaths: "June 19, suddenly, of apoplexy, at Rooksbridge, Somerset, greatly respected by all who knew him, aged 54 years, Mr. Thomas Whittington, of Myrtle-Hall, Redcliff-hill, and for many years appraiser and auctioneer, of this city.
From same newspaper page 8: "Inquests by R. P. Caines, Esq., Coroner for Somerset. —On Monday last...at the Wellington Arms, Rooksbridge, East Brent, on Mr. Thomas Whittington, of Bristol, spirit merchant, aged 54. The deceased had a son apprenticed to Mr. Holloway, of Rooksbridge, saddler, and on Saturday came there to see him. During the afternoon he appeared drowsy, laid on the sofa, and in the course of the night he died of apoplexy. Verdict accordingly." Thomas was buried at St. Mary Redcliffe on 24 June.
Thomas Whittington the son, was apprentice to George Holloway, saddler of East Brent, age 15 in the 1841 census.
Ann Whittington died age 93 on 24 Jan. 1865 at Myrtle Hall, 74 Redcliff Hill.
| Small Flat Sided Stoneware Flagon |   |
| Impressed:
Ann Whittington / 74 Redcliff Hill Dark brown 2 tone glaze. Potter: not marked. Height 8" (20.3cm) Image courtesy Si Chesterman. |
John Gwyer Lovell was born in Redcliff, Bristol in 1810, son of James Lovell and Ann Catherine Gwyer. John's mother died in 1823 and his father remarried to Jane Goman. James and Jane were licensed victuallers at the Waggon and Horses at 70 Redcliff Hill, John was living here in 1841. John had married widow Ann Whittington née Kethro at on 16 Dec. 1845. Ann was formerly the widow of William Ball Caswell Whittington. In the 1851 census John was living at Clarence Place, with wife Ann and daughter Ann Caswell Whittington.
| Small Flat Sided Stoneware Flagon |   |
| Impressed:
J G LOVELL/ 74 Redcliff Hill / BRISTOL Standard 2 tone glaze. Potter: not marked. Image courtesy Si Chesterman. |
Joseph Lawson was born in Bristol in 1819, baptised 26 Sept. 1819 at St. Mary Redcliff, son of Joseph and wife Sarah. Joseph the younger married Eliza Saunders at St. Mary Redcliff on 19 July 1842. On 14 Feb 1857 Eliza, Joseph's wife, died at Ashton Terrace, aged 36. Joseph married again on 18 Oct. 1858 at St. Mary Redcliff, to Elizabeth, eldest daughter of Mr. Thomas Davey of Langton Street. A son was born on 7 July 1859 at 74 Redcliff Hill. In the 1851 census Joseph is listed as a clerk in a cotton manufactory, and spirit dealer, at 74 Redcliff Hill. In 1861, Retired victualler Anne Whittington is living with the family, aged 89.
Joseph Lawson died at 11 Woodstock Avenue, Redland on 19 April 1897, Samuel Robert Long was one of his executors.
| 1 Gallon Stoneware Flagon |   |
| Impressed:
J LAWSON / 74 Redcliff Hill / BRISTOL 2 Tone Glaze. Potter: not marked. |
| Small Flat Sided Stoneware Flagon |   |
| Impressed:
J LAWSON / 74 Redcliff Hill 2 Tone Glaze. Potter: Powell, Bristol. Height 8.25" (20.8cm) Image courtesy Si Chesterman. |
| Small Flat Sided Stoneware Flagon |  |
| Impressed:
J LAWSON / 74 Redcliff Hill / BRISTOL 2 Tone Glaze manufactured without handle. Potter: not marked. Image courtesy Paul De'Ath. |
At the licensing session of 23 June 1868 the license for "Myrtle Hall", Redcliff Hill, was transferred from Joseph Lawson to Samuel Robert Long. Samuel was Joseph Lawson's son-in-law. The Long family were also connected to the Whittingtons by marriage.
Samuel Robert Long was born in Bristol in 1840, baptised 17 Jan. 1841 at St. Mary Redcliffe, son of Robert Long, a saddler, and Elizabeth. Samuel married Eliza Ann Lawson at St. Mary Redcliffe on 22 August 1865.From the Western Daily Press - Wednesday 25 March 1868 p. 2: The license of the Myrtle Tree, Redcliff Hill, was removed to No. 49, Redcliff Hill, the former house being about to be pulled down for a public improvement.
"Lawson's Spirit Vaults," as it was called in 1871, had moved to 49 Redcliff Hill where Samuel Robert Long may be found as a Spirit Merchant in Wright's 1880 directory. Bristol Lost Pubs website has an image of the premises after the move had taken place. This was a little farther along the brow of the hill, almost opposite the Angel.
From the Western Daily Press - Saturday 2 May 1874 p.1, the Myrtle Hall spirit vaults is up for sale by auction, on 28th of that month, under the will of the late Thomas Lane.
Almost two decades later, from the first
page of the Western Daily Press - Saturday 8 July 1893: "TO
BREWERS, WINE AND SPIRIT MERCHANTS, AND LICENSED VICTUALLERS.
SALE of very Valuable and Extensive FREEHOLD LICENSED PROPERTY, situate on
REDCLIFF HILL Bristol (for nearly century in the occupation of the present
proprietors family,together with the GOOD WILL. LICENCE, and POSSESSION.
MR E. T. LEWIS has received instructions to SELL by AUCTION, at the HOPE
and ANCHOR, REDCLIFF HILL (in consequence of the ill health of he
proprietor), on THURSDAY, July l1th, 1893, at Three o'clock in the
Afternoon,
The following Old-established, very Extensive, and Valuable FREEHOLD
LICENSED PROPERTY, Called the "MYRTLE HALL" TAVERN. Better known LONG'S
SPIRIT VAULTS, situate on REDCLIFF HILL, Bristol, together with the
GOODWILL, LICENSE, and POSSESSION; also will be included the capital TRADE
FIXTURES, UTENSILS and other EFFECTS, as per inventory.
The Premises comprise:—
ON GROUND FLOOR- Spacious Bar, Parlour, Kitchen (with range), and Yard.
AND IN REAR: Large Back Premises, formerly used as a Brewhouse.
ON FIRST FLOOR: Drawing-room, Bedroom, China Pantry, large Landing, and
w.c.
TOP FLOOR: Two Bedrooms.
There is also capital Cellarage.
The Property pleasantly situated in one of the principal thoroughfares
where there is a continuous flow of traffic, and has been carried by the
present owner's family for nearly a century, and has a frontage of about
l6½ft, and depth about 106ft, with area of about 1,750 ft.
The Stock-in-Trade, at the the time of completionof the purchase, which
will be small, will have to be taken by the Purchaser, at a valuation to
be made by the Auctioneer.
For further particulars, cards to view, and conditions of sale, apply to
the Auctioneer, Rupert street, Bristol; or to FAIRFAX SPOFFORTH, Esq.
Solicitor. 24, Broad Street, Bristol."
Samuel Robert Long, late of Redcliff, died 29 Jan. 1920 at his daughter Florence's, 19 Mervyn Road, Bishopston, aged 79. He is living at his address in the 1911 census.
Charles Gardiner (otherwise Gardener) was born in Kingsdown, Box, Wiltshire, baptised 11 July 1865 in Box, son of Morris and Caroline. He married Alice Spurlock, of Blagdon, at St. Mary Redcliffe, Bristol, on 29 Sept. 1890, and the couple took the "Eagle" tavern in Mary-le-Port Street that October. Charles purchased the Myrtle Hall Tavern for £2,250 at the auction in 1893 with some help, but he struggled, as can be seen below.
From the Western Daily Press - Thursday 14 March 1907, page 9: "CREDITORS’ MEETINGS IN BRISTOL. YESTERDAY:—Before Mr F. S. Clark, Official Receiver. Re Charles Gardiner, of the Myrtle Hall Tavern, 44, Redcliff Hill, Bristol, licensed Victualler.—Mr W. Henderson appeared for creditors, and Mr H. Pomeroy appeared for the debtor. The statement showed liabilities expected to rank £869 6s 6d and there was a surplus from properties fully secured of £739 19s 9d. The Official Receiver's observations were as follow:—"The petition in this matter was filed by creditors, the act of bankruptcy being that the debtor failed before the 13th day of February, 1907, to comply with the requirements of a bankruptcy notice duly served upon him on the 5th day of February, 1907. The debtor, who is 43 years of age, states that he first began business as a licensed victualler at the "Eagle Tavern,” Mary-le-Port Street, in October of 1890, with a capital of about £50. In September, 1893 he took the "Myrtle Hall Tavern," Redcliff Hill, he having that date no capital. The creditor fully secured is the mortgagee of the "Myrtle Hall Tavern,” in respect which property the debtor estimates a surplus of £739 19s 9d. The debtor appears to have purchased the tavern, which freehold and free from ground-rent, 14 years ago, at the sum of £2,250. The amount taken on mortgage was £1,250, and a brewery company advanced the debtor £500 on the security of a lease of the tavern, and which has yet six years to run. £500 was advanced by a friend. The debtor's wife claims furniture worth about £20, stated have been purchased by her on the day of her marriage in September, 1890. The debtor states that he does not consider that he is insolvent, but attributes his present position to the fact that his business has gradually diminished since the electric tramcars have been running, and that carriers who used to use his tavern have ceased to come since the laying down of the Wrington Light Railway.” Mr Edward William Ball, of Albion Chambers, was appointed trustee with a committee inspection."
After his bankruptcy Charles moves to 40 Langton Street, Redcliff, and becomes a commercial traveller in the cigar trade. His wife Alice Gardiner, however, retained a license to sell beer, she took the license of the Ale and Porter Stores, Newfoundland Road, from Sam Underdown, on Monday 12 August 1907. Charles remained with his family at the Langton Street address until his death on 3 October 1924. On 23 November 1909 at a supplementary meeting Bristol Licensing Meeting of the Compensation Authority, compensation was agreed for the St. Paul Porter Stores, Newfoundland Street £653: Licensee Alice Gardiner £50; Owners (Messrs W. J. Rogers. Ltd.), £125; claimant (Fredk. James Bond), £478. By 1910 Alice was running the Langton Tavern, Langton Street, which was awarded compensation by the Licensing Justices on Monday 7 March 1927 on grounds of redundance.
From the Western Daily Press - Tuesday 5 July 1927 page 5: "Plea for a Widow. As to the Langton Tavern, Langton Street (tenant Mrs. Alice Gardiner), Mr Wansbrough appeared for the Bristol Brewer (Georges and Co.) and the tenant. Mr. Wright said there were 15 licensed premises within 295 yards. Mr Wansbrough, pleading for the renewal, said that Mrs Gardiner was a widow dependent on the house for her livelihood. She and her late husband had carried on a licensed business in Bristol for 44 years without any complaint. She was 63 years old, and had held this license for 17 years. She had no hope getting other employment. He urged that whilst she was tenant the license should not be taken away. The license was referred." (and again was disputed by George's the following November.) Alice, of 51 Arley Hill, died at the Bristol Mental Hospital on 23 Nov. 1931.
Daniel Charles Woodman was born in Bristol in 1875, baptised 24 October at Clifton St. Andrew, son of Arthur Henry and Elizabeth. As a teenager he was a sailor. He married Ida Charlotte Simmons on 20 June 1900 at St. Andrew the Less, Clifton. He took the license for the Engineer's Arms in Lincoln Street, Barton Hill, Bristol, from William Smith on 28 August 1900, which he kept until 12 August 1907 when it was transferred to Tom Albert Fox. He gained the license for Myrtle Hall from Charles Gardiner at the same sessions. He didn't stay at Myrtle Hall for long, and the license was transferred from Daniel to William James Palmer on 5 October 1908. He then took the Duke of York alehouse, Barton Road until 14 August 1911, when it transferred to Percy Reginald Simmons (Ida's brother). By 1911 Daniel was secretary to the Licensed Victuallers Association. Daniel served in France in the R.A.S.C. during WW1 during which time Ida was landlady of the Crown and Horseshoe at Hanham which the family had taken after leaving the Duke of York.
From the Western Daily Press - Friday 5 August 1927 page 5: "Death of Mr D. C. Woodman. Members of the licensing trade in Bristol and the West of England will have read with regret of the passing of Daniel Charles Woodman, whose death occurred his home, the Horfield Inn, Gloucester Road, on Wednesday, after a long illness. Mr Woodman was one of the most popular and able of "Bristol hosts," and for many years had taken a keen and active interest all matters concerning the licensing trade. From 1902 till 1908 he was secretary to the Bristol Beer, Spirit and Wine Trade Protection and Benevolent Association; and last August he was elected treasurer to that organisation. Owing to ill-health, he was compelled to resign that position February last. Mr Woodman had been the licensee of the Horfield Inn for number of years. He was keen follower of cricket and of golf, and he was well known and respected a member of the Masonic Order. The greatest sympathy will be extended the widow and family." Daniel's widow Ida carried on running the Horfield Inn until her death on 6 August 1930.
William James Palmer was not the William James Palmer who was at the Mitre, St. Luke's Road, New Cut, Bristol Lost Pubs website has a page dedicated to this pub. That William James died on 24 April 1898 at the at Stafford House, Knowle Road. Our William James Palmer is somewhat more enigmatic. On 11 Apr. 1904 he was granted license of The Angel, 79 Redcliff Hill from Richard E. Beddow, which he kept until the license was relinquished on 10 Aug. 1908 to F. G. Wilkins. On 5 October 1908 our William acquired the license of the Myrtle Hall Tavern from Daniel C. Woodman.
At the licensing session of 7 March 1910 the license for Myrtle Hall tavern was not renewed.
Confusion of addresses: A great deal of confusion arises when researching this premises, as there appears to be another 74 Redcliff Hill, the premises of which is opposite the Angel Inn that was for a long time a grocer's establishment. In reality this address was 74 Redcliff Street, west side between the junction with Phippen Street and Freshford Lane, just to confuse things more, the Don Cossack public house, on the corner of Redcliff Street and Portwall Lane, was also number 74:From the
Western Daily Press - Saturday 18 June 1859, page 1 "ESTABLISHED NEARLY
100 YEARS. FAMILY TEA, GROCERY. & PROVISION WAREHOUSE, 74, REDCLIFF
HILL (opposite the Angel Inn), Bristol (late Baker, and
Co.)
JAMES BAKER & CO. beg to return their sincere thanks to their
numerous Friends and the Public in general, for the kind and extensive
support they have received from them during the many years they have
been in Business; and beg to solicit for their Successor Mr THOMAS HASELL (who from his extensive experience in
the trade cannot fail to give satisfaction), a continuance of that
patronage so liberally bestowed upon them.
THOMAS HASELL Re-opens the above PREMISES THIS DAY, the 18th instant,
with new Stock of Teas, Groceries, and Provisions, selected in the best
markets, and he hopes that his long experience in both the Wholesale and
Retail departments of the Trade, combined with his earnest endeavours,
will enable him to render genuine articles at such fair prices as will
ensure the extensive support of his Friends and the Public." This tea
and grocer business was run by Thomas Clark at 61 and 74 Redcliff Street
in 1822.