The Farmers Arms

We probably all recognise this view of the village, with the Fox and Hounds pub. Did you know however, that, in days gone by, there was another old inn just to the left of the big tree?

On the Parish Tithe Map of 1841, James Brookman was listed as the publican of the Farmers Arms, near (the old) St Mary’s Church. From the tithe map, it shows a line of small cottages set on the bend of the road. In all probability it would have looked like the old Blackbird Inn on the Philog that we mentioned last time.

So why were there at least two old cottages in the village selling beer, when there were established pubs nearby?

Less than 10 years earlier, when the only water came from wells and streams and was often contaminated, many people drank alcoholic beverages (in particular gin) instead, and the government of the day were worried.

Beer houses were the idea of William IV and when he came to the throne, he established the Beer Act of 1830. This allowed any ratepayer to brew and sell beer (and only beer) in payment of an annual licence of 2 guineas. The Beer Act became very popular and over 25,000 licences were issued in the first 6 months! The price of a pot of beer was reduced by at least 20% and it encouraged people to drink beer instead of spirits. Fascinatingly, the Beer Act was only repealed in 1993.

The Farmers Arms didn’t last very long, as in 1861 it had changed to The British Hotel with Thomas Evans as House Steward. By 1880, all of the old buildings had been demolished and a new house built called The Cottage. Now it’s called The Pines.

Does anyone know of any other old beer houses (rather than pubs) in Whitchurch? Simply email awen.cymru@gmail.com.

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