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. 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.
Photos
Location
Licensees
- ????-1851-1853-???? John Wilcox - ????-1860-1861 George Carter - ????-1864-1866-???? Grace Slade Carter - ????-1869-???? Thomas Towill - ????-1871-???? James Touvil - ????-1874-???? William Ashman - ????-1879 James Heatherleigh - 1879-1881-1891-???? Frederick Pow - ????-1935-???? Thomas Simmonds - ????-1938-1965 Ernest Brent - 1965-???? E. Slater - 1976-???? Mike and Norma Lockyear
Owners
- ????-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 |