Blackbird Inn

Overview

The Blackbird was a pub in Paulton which closed in 1961. The earliest reference to the name I can find is from when the license transferred from John Smith to his son-in-law George Banfield in 1879. However the premises was definitely a beerhouse from at least 1861 since we find John Smith there in the census as a beerhouse keeper. It is likely it was serving beer since at least 1854 when John married Elizabeth Carter. When their first son, John William Smith, was baptised on the 3rd of January 1855, John Smith's occupation was already "Beer Seller"

The pub was always a family affair. The license (and property) passed from John Smith to George Banfield (who had married Mary Elizabeth Smith on 11 Feb 1879). George was the son of Joseph Banfield, licensee of the Somerset Inn. When George died suddenly on the 15th of January 1891, Mary became the licensee. Finally, the license passed to their son Joseph on the death of Mary. Joseph then ran the pub until his death on the 4th of February 1961.

Licensees

• John Smith (????-1855-1879)
• George Banfield (1879-1891)
• Mary Eliza Banfield (1891-1921)
• Joseph Banfield (1921-1961)

Sources

Probate

29/11/1879 SMITH John <£100 The Will of John Smith of Winterfield in the Parish of Paulton in the County of Somerset Beerseller who died 26 October 1879 at Winterfield was proved at Wells by George Carter Yeoman and George Banfield Beerseller both of Paulton the Executors.

10/02/1891 BANFIELD George £32 15s Administration of the Personal Estate of George Banfield late of Paulton in the County of Somerset Beerhouse Keeper who died 15 January 1891 at Paulton was granted at Wells to Mary Eliza Banfield of Paulton Widow the Relict.

12/02/1921 BANFIELD Mary Elizabeth £171 8s BANFIELD Mary Elizabeth of Paulton Somersetshire widow died 26 Jan 1921 Adminstration Wells 12 February to Joseph Banfield shoemaker. Effects £171 8s

28/04/1961 BANFIELD Joseph £1,444 BANFIELD Joseph of The Blackbird Inn Paulton Somersetshire died 4 February 1961 Probate Bristol 28 April to George Henry Banfield monotype operator.

Petty Sessions

04 Nov 1879 Temporary license to sell at Blackbird beer house, until next license day, given to George Banfield of Paulton, coal miner (Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 07 November 1879)

13 Jan 1880 License of Blackbird beerhouse, Paulton to Geo. Banfield (Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 16 January 1880)