Red Lion Inn

Overview

The Red Lion is (probably) the oldest pub in the village of Paulton - it is at least the earliest for which specific mention is made in the local papers - and sits prominently in the centre of the village. It seems to have been known interchangeably as the "Red Lion" or the "Paulton Inn", although this is likely to be because it was the only Inn in Paulton, there was therefore no ambiguity. The original building was demolished and rebuilt in (largely) its modern form in 1848, and was substantially expanded in the 1970s.

Licensees

- ????-1851-1853-????	John Wilcox
- ????-1860-1861	George Carter
- 1861-1866-????	Grace Slade Carter
- ????-1869-1871-????	Thomas Towill
- ????-1874-????	William Ashman
- ????-1879		James Heatherleigh
- 1879-1881-1891-????	Frederick Pow
- ????-1900		William John Allward
- 1900-1914-????	Walter David Butler
- ????-1916-1925	William Joseph Bryant
- 1925-1927-????	Frederick Nelson Ashman
- ????-1929-1935	Thomas Simmonds
- 1935-????		Frederick Bennett
- 1936-1965		Ernest Gilbert Brent
- 1965-????		E. Slater
- 1976-????		Mike and Norma Lockyear

Owners

- ????-1925--1957-????	Oakhill Brewery
- ????-1965-????	Courage

Timeline

Date	Detail	Source
07/10/1790	Earliest mention I can find in the British Newspaper Archive - an auction is happening at the Red Lion Inn	Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette - 07 October 1790
02/05/1811	Paulton Manor is for sale by auction, including Red Lion Inn, along with Coal Mines, Cottages, Farm Houses and 550 acres of land	Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette - 02 May 1811
25/11/1841	Red Lion to be Let for 7 years from 25th March 1842 - along with the brewery and adjoining 9 acres of land. Apparently it is the "only Licensed House in the place" - which must refer to being fully licensed. Previous tenant is retiring after 14 years.	Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette - 25 November 1841
06/06/1847	Baptism of George James Willcox, son of John Willcox, in Paulton. John is a Licensed Victualler - so probably at Red Lion.	Paulton Parish Records
29/06/1848	Advert for builders to contract to take down and re-build the Red Lion. Not exactly certain when this happened, or how long it took - although auctions were again happening at the Red Lion by mid 1849, so it was completed by then at the latest.	Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette - 29 June 1848
30/03/1851	John Wilcox (age 32, from Bath) is living at the Red Lion Inn with his wife (age 32, from Bath) and their son George I (age 3, from Paulton). He is a Brewer and Victualler.	1851 Census
02/10/1851	A burglary was committed during Thursday night last, on the premises of Mr John Wilcox of the Red Lion Inn, Paulton. The thieves stole a quantity of beer, and about forty pairs of boots and shoes, which had been left in the landlords care by the owner James Penny of Clandown.	Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette - 02 October 1851
11/11/1853	Burial of Elizabeth Willcox, wife of John Willcox in Paulton.	Paulton Parish Records
17/12/1853	Red Lion to be let - present proprietor declining business. House is "newly built" and brings in about £1600. Apply to Mr JOHN WILLCOX, Red Lion, Paulton. Presumably this decision follows the death of his wife.	Bristol Mercury - 17 December 1853
1860	George Carter, Red Lion, Paulton	The Draper and Clothier, 1860 - guide to principal Hotels and Commercial Inns
07/12/1860	Public Dinner of Clutton Union -dinner was provided by Mr. George Carter of the Paulton Inn	Shepton Mallet Journal - 07 December 1860
23/02/1861	EAST MENDIP RIFLE CORPS, No. 22 - Wanted a Person qualified to INSTRUCT BOYS for a DRUM and FIFE BAND - Application with terms to be sent to Mr Carter, Red Lion Inn, Paulton, of whom any further particulars may be obtained.	Bristol Mercury - Saturday 23 February 1861
07/04/1861	George Carter (b. 1819, Warminster) is living with his wife Grace (b. 1821, Warminster) with their two children Timothy (b. 1844, Warminster) and Bessie (b. 1854, Warminster). He is an Innkeeper. Note - this slightly confusingly, seems to be a George Carter who is not (immediately at least) related to all the many other Carter families from Paulton and the surrounding area.	1861 Census
26/06/1861	Death of George Carter, of the Red Lion, Paulton, aged 42.	Warminster Miscellany and Local Advertiser - 01 July 1861
23/08/1864	Unjust measure convictions: Grace Carter, Paulton Inn	Temple Cloud Petty Sessions
24/10/1865	Elizabeth Tucker of Newtown convicted of stealing several items (including a salt cellar and glasses), the property of Grace Slade Carter, Paulton, Innkeeper.	Temple Cloud Petty Sessions
01/02/1866	Elizabeth Beecham of Hallatrow and Mary Manby of Paulton, two servants at the Red Lion Inn, Paulton, charged with stealing wines and spirits, the property of Grace Carter. Remanded until petty session on Tuesday next	Temple Cloud Petty Sessions
06/02/1866	Elizabeth Beachim of Paulton charged with stealing a bottle of wine from the Paulton Inn, the property of her mistress Mrs Grace Slade Carter. Another vixen (!) also charged with stealing a glass bottle from the Paulton Inn - property of the landlady Mrs Grace Slade Carter	Temple Cloud Petty Sessions
19/06/1866	Joseph Walsh of Paulton, stoker and John Burkeley of Camerton, labourer - brought up under remand for stealing a gun from a stable at the Paulton Inn during night of 16th inst., property of Timothy Carter	Temple Cloud Petty Sessions
24/07/1866	William Maggs, a tailor, of Paulton was fined 14s 6d and costs for assaulting Albert Knee, the ostler of the Red Lion Inn there, and in default 14 days imprisonment. Sarah Maggs, a daughter of William Maggs, was also fined 8s for violently assaulting the said Albert Knee with a carving knife and shovel, and breaking his head, and in default of payment was sentenced to seven days imprisonment.	Temple Cloud Petty Sessions
05/11/1867	William Creese, Mary Creese, James Rose, Silverthorne Stokes, Eliza Stokes - of Newtown, Paulton - drunk in front of the Red Lion Inn	Temple Cloud Petty Sessions
11/05/1869	Thomas Towell, inkeeper of Paulton. Assaulted by Henry House - extensive story.	Temple Cloud Petty Sessions
03/08/1869	Thomas Towill of Red Lion - keeping a dog without a license	Temple Cloud Petty Sessions
03/09/1869	Red Lion Hotel, Paulton Inn and Simon Carter of Plummers Hill all mentioned in an article about Paulton Harvest Festival	Western Daily Press - 03 September 1869
28/02/1871	Disorderly conduct at Red Lion - and refusing to quit: Charles Dando, Jonah Weeks of Hallatrow and Francis Dodson, Joseph Rogers and George Wyatt of Farrington Gurney	Temple Cloud Petty Sessions
02/04/1871	Thomas Towill (age 24) is living with his Sister Frances? Towill (age 26) in the Red Lion Inn, Paulton. He is an Innkeeper.	1871 Census
05/12/1871	Red Lion: Mary Creese, of Paulton, fined for being drunk and refusing to quit	Temple Cloud Petty Sessions
02/04/1872	Red Lion Inn - George Banfield and Henry Collier disorderly conduct	Temple Cloud Petty Sessions
30/06/1874	Red Lion Inn, Paulton: William Ashman, landlord. William Jones stole milk.	Temple Cloud Petty Sessions
31/08/1875	Annual Licensing Session - all licenses renewed except for Red Lion, Paulton, Waldegrave Arms, East Harptree and Old Down Inn, Ston Easton. These were adjourned.	Temple Cloud Petty Sessions
21/09/1875	Adjourned annual licensing session - license granted to Mr. James Hatherly of the Red Lion Inn, Paulton	Temple Cloud Petty Sessions
27/05/1879	Red Lion Inn, Paulton: William Pearce charged with stealing a beer glass - propert of James Heatherley of the Red Lion.	Temple Cloud Petty Sessions
16/12/1879	Temporary license to sell until next transfer day given to Frederick Pow of Red Lion Inn, Paulton - late of the Greyhound, Midsomer Norton	Temple Cloud Petty Sessions
13/01/1880	License of Red Lion transferred to Frederick Pow	Temple Cloud Petty Sessions
03/04/1881	Frederick Pow (age 40, Clandown) is living with his wife M. A. W (age 41, Welton), two daughters and his mother, at the Red Lion Inn, Paulton. He is a Licensed Victualler. C. H. Boulton is a Barman (Servant) at the Red Lion.	1881 Census
24/05/1881	Occasional license granted to Frederick Pow of Red Lion, Paulton to sell excisable liquors in a tent in a field on Whit-Monday	Temple Cloud Petty Sessions
1883	Frederick Pow. Red Lion, Paulton	Kelly's Directory of Somerset 1883
1889	Frederick Pow, Red Lion P. H.	Kelly's Directory of Somerset 1889
05/04/1891	Frederick Pow (age 51, widower) is living with three of his children at the Red Lion, Paulton. He is an Inn Keeper and Farmer.	1891 Census
1897	William John Allward, Red Lion P. H.	Kelly's Directory of Somerset 1897
19/06/1900	The license of the Red Lion Inn, Paulton, was transferred from William John Allward to Walter David Butler	Temple Cloud Petty Sessions
31/03/1901	Walter Butler (age 38, Peterborough) is living with his wife Mary (age 37, Welton) and their 4 children and a niece in the Red Lion Hotel, Paulton. He is a Hotel Keeper.	1901 Census
31/10/1901	William Nash (shoemaker of Paulton) evicted from Red Lion for being drunk - he then went to the Old Lottery.	Temple Cloud Petty Sessions
1902	William D. Butler, Red Lion Hotel, Paulton. Good accomodation for cyclists.	Kelly's Directory of Somerset 1902
25/09/1906	An extension of one hour was granted to W. D. Butler of the Red Lion for a dinner of the Shepherd's Friendly Society.	Temple Cloud Petty Sessions
02/04/1911	Walter David Butler is living with his wife Mary and three of their children in the Red Lion Hotel, Paulton. He is a Licensed Victualler.	1911 Census
1914	Walter D. Butler, Red Liom Hotel, Paulton.	Kelly's Directory of Somerset 1914
04/12/1914	Red Lion for sale as part of Paulton Manor Estate	Western Gazette - 04 December 1914
16/06/1916	Paulton Fete and Sports - refreshments were provided by Mr. W. J. Bryant of the Red Lion Hotel	Somerset Guardian and Radstock Observer - 16 June 1916
17/07/1917	Mr. W. J. Bryant, licensee of the Red Lion Hotel, Paulton, made an application for the sale of intoxicating liquors at the athletic ground, Paulton, on the occasion of the annual fancy dress parade carnival in aid of the Paulton Hospital and other charitable institutions, to be held at Paulton on Tuesday, August 7. Police Supt. Ford supported the application, and stated that it was conducted quite properly last year and he had no complaint whatever and no objection to the granting of the license from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. - The license was granted.	Temple Cloud Petty Sessions
22/07/1921	William Bryant of the Red Lion charged for selling a pint of rum for too much money.	Temple Cloud Petty Sessions
30/06/1925	License transferred from William Joseph Bryant to Frederick Nelson Ashman	Temple Cloud Petty Sessions
31 May 1927	Mr. F. N. Ashman, licensee of the Red Lion, granted an occasional license from 2.0 to 9.30pm for the sale of intoxicants in a field on the occasion of the annual Friendly Societies fete and sports to be held at Paulton on Whit-Monday.	Temple Cloud Petty Sessions
25/06/1929	Tom Simmons, licensee of the Red Lion, granted an extension of one hour from 19 pm to 11 pm on the occasion of the first annual dinner of the Excelda Lodge, R.A.O.B to be held on Wednesday, July 3rd.	Temple Cloud Petty Sessions
1935	Thomas Simmonds, Proprietor, Red Lion Hotel	Kelly's Directory of Somerset 1935
22/01/1935	Tom Simmons granted an extension from 10pm to 11pm for the sale of intoxicating liquours on the occasion of the annual dinner of the Paulton "Excelda" Lodge of the R. A. O. B. in the Red Lion Hotel, Paulton, on the 2nd Feb.	Temple Cloud Petty Sessions
10/1935	Frederick Bennett took over the Red Lion Hotel, Paulton - this is reported in an interesting article about his bankruptcy - he was inexperienced in the licensed trade.	Somerset Guardian and Radstock Observer - 27 March 1936
26/11/1935	Mr F. Bennett, of the Red Lion Hotel, Paulton, granted an extension from 10pm to 11pm on the occasion of the Paulton Homing Society annual dinner.	Temple Cloud Petty Sessions
02/05/1936	Frederick Bennet, publican formerly of Red Lion, Paulton, Bankrupt	Western Daily Press - 02 May 1936
24/11/1936	Temporary transfer of the license from the Oakhill Brewery Co. to Mr. Ernest Gilbert Brent, of Paulton, who had been the manager of the house for the past eight months.	Somerset Guardian and Radstock Observer - 27 November 1936
25/03/1937	Funeral of Thomas Simmons - held license of Red Lion for 7 years.	Western Daily Press - 25 March 1937
23/04/1938	Death of George Parsons, Paulton Footballer. Mentioned Ernest Brent as present licensee of the Red Lion.	Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette - 23 April 1938
29/09/1939	Ernest Brent in the right place to still be the licensee of the Red Lion	1939 Register
1951	Planning permission being obtained to convert an existing building in the Red Lion Yard into a public convenience. Estimate to do so was £748.	Somerset Guardian and Radstock Observer - 16 November 1951
1957	Plan of proposed improvements to bar, kitchen and living rooms at The Red Lion Inn, Paulton. 1957. For The Oakhill Brewery Co., Ltd., Shepton Mallet; [3347].	Somerset Heritage Centre - D\R\clu/22/1/186
1965	Plan for internal alterations to Red Lion Inn, Paulton. 1965. For Courage (Western) Ltd., Bristol; (W. Brice, surveyor, Courage Western Ltd.). [7033]	Somerset Heritage Centre - D\R\clu/22/1/578
17/12/1965	Retirement of Mr and Mrs Ernest Brent. They have now gone to live at Rising Sun House, which was a licensed premises until April 1965. There are 4 local ex licensees living in Newtown! License transferred to Mr. E. Slater - who has come from Bristol with his wife and 15 year old son. Improvements have been made to the pub costing several thousand pounds.	Somerset Standard - 17 December 1965
23/12/1976	Mike and Norma Lockyear have taken over the Red Lion, Paulton. Come and visit us over Christmas (usual pub food)	Somerset Standard - 23 December 1976