Old Ashburton

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

https://devon-cat.swheritage.org.uk/records/872A/PZ/26-27 - accessed 12-03-20241844

 '...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

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

                                                   *******

  *                                    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             

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

                                                      *******   

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.  

                                                     *******

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/

 *                                              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

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

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

  *                                     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

 *                                                *******                                                   *                                                         

 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

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

 *                                                   *******                                                 *

 *                                              The George Inn                                            *

In 1604 there was a bargain and sale between John Codner of Aysshberton and John Martyn of Exon. One of the properties was a new house, garden and close of land lying on the east part of 'the great inn called the George'.
Ref 48/14/66/1, National Archives. Held at the Devon Record Officehttps://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/397d4644-3788-4d39-9617-6aa2c5c2803f - accessed 09-03-2024

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

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

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

Above 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.

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

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

                                                   *******

'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

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

Exeter Flying Post 28 July 1803 p2 col4

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

                                                                    The story of Albert Lion

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

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

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

                                                        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                                                                  

'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...'
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.'

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/63/5/01/112

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

The London Inn was to be sold in 1894, following the bankruptcy of Winifred Vincent. The inn was described as having a well-arranged bar, commercial, smoking and dining rooms, and sitting rooms on the first floor. There were assembly rooms and a billiard room, two bedrooms on the first floor and ten on the second.

At the rear were coach houses and harness rooms, stabling, lofts and outbuildings.
Devon and Exeter Daily Gazette, 27 July 1894, p4 col2

                                                                                             *******

 *                                               *******                                                               *

 *                                  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, p26Freely 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

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.

 *                                                   *******                                                *

 *                                                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

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/

 *                                          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

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

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

Above and below: The Red Lion, East Street
My own photographs 2013

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

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

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

                         Rose and Crown Inn, North and West Street

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

It is now (2024) closed.

                                                      *******

                                                      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

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

                                                        *******

                                               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

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

  *                                                 *******                                                 *

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

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

                                                                          *******

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

1892 The licence is transferred to Isaac Holdfield

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

*                                               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

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

 *                                             *******                                                       *

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

Ashburton baptisms 1830-1840 Devon FHS 2006

*                                                *******                                                     *

 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