Innkeepers of Eltham.

[dudjac]

Hi.

Priesthood(Prestwood) Bowsher was an Innholder ( I assume this is the same as Innkeeper) in Eltham, Kent around 1750/60.
Does anybody know if there was a trade directory or the such like
to confirm this.
I have a ancestor called Priesthood Bowsher born in East Garston, Berkshire, and with a name like Priesthood it is more than likely him in Eltham
Any suggestions appreciated.

Many thanks.

dudjac

[Hoppity]

Hi !

There is a site that has trade directories for the UK that you can view.  It is a project by Leicester University.

http://www.historicaldirectories.org/

You may find something of help in the Kent area.

Kind regards
Hoppity 

[dudjac]

Thanks  Hoppity I'll give it a try.

Dudjac

[behindthefrogs]

Was Innholder spelt with one or two Ns?  If it was two you are probably right, but if it was one it is more likely to mean that he owned the freehold of some land on which he lived.

David

[dudjac]

Hi David.

Innholder was the word used on the national archives site.
It refers to Preisthood Bowchers occupation when he made his will.
Many thanks for you interest and reply.

dudjac

[Hoppity]

Hi Dudjac,

I have just found a P. Bowsher, Licensed Beerkeeper (Malling West) in the Maidstone & the Environment Directory for 1850.  I know it is the wrong period of time, but it still could be the same business that has been passed through the family??

A big possible anyway.

Kind regards
Hoppity 

[behindthefrogs]

There are a number of issues here which should be considered.

An alehouse or beerhouse was only allowed to sell beer and ale.  The number of these increased rapidly after the 1828 and 1830 acts which made setting one up very cheap and caused a lot of people from 1950 onwards to open one in their front room as a part time activity.  This was an attempt to reduce gin consumption.  A licence cost 2 Guineas

A tavern was also licensed to sell wine.  The number of these was verystrictly limited by parliament until the mid 17th century.  A licence which included sale of spirits, mainly gin, would cost £50 a year with a duty of £1 on every gallon

Ann inn served food as well and was frequently a coaching stop etc.  Most Inns can be found in the Trade Directories of the time.

I suggest you find Eltham in an appropriate directory

www.historicaldirectories.org

should find one for you.

From 1729 the Justices of the Peace issued licences at the Brewster sessions and you need to find the records of these in the local record office.  After 1828 the role of the JPs was redefined.

David

[dudjac]

Hi David.

Thanks for your help.

dudjac