Research Forum

History of Buildings
published by on Mon, 13/12/2021 - 4:02

I was wondering if someone could tell me how to research the history of a pub in Nailsea. The Butchers Arms was apparently so named because a Butchery operated out of part of the pub.

My Great Grandfather Henry Durbin was a Butcher and I was wondering if he ever worked there. In addition his maternal Aunt Louisa White nee Hill was married to a Butcher John White and I think he may have taken over from her in 1881 according to the census Henry and wife Annie are listed as Lodgers. The address is Kingshill.

Would there be a directory of the area that may give some clues. I have spent some time researching newspapers but so far no luck?

Any help as to where I could look would be very welcome.

Many Thanks

Sandra Davis

Comments ..

Submitted by Pat Hase on Mon, 13/12/2021 - 16:40

There are a few places where you might find information about the Butcher's Arms at Nailsea. Historic England provides details about the building and some dates. The Somerset Archives has some documents produced by the Nailsea & District Local History Society about the Butcher's Arms and other pubs in Nailsea. Have a look at their web site - you might find an article in one of their Pennants.

I see you have looked in the newspapers with no luck but when a pub changes hands the licence exchange is often mentioned in the local paper.