Hunmanby Inns & Public Houses Page

Hunmanby like all English communities, possessed a village inn, 'The White Swan', for centuries. Basically used by travellers, it was a source of refreshment, liquid or otherwise, for those who could afford it. Beer drinking as a social pastime did not develop until the mid-1700's. About this period, a maltings was established ''on the east of Southgate (known today as Bridlington Street), next to the church, by the well'' -according to old deeds from the Osbaldeston family. In the mid-1800's a brewery was established on this site, operating until about 1900. It was later converted into a village Institute that was damaged by fire in 1954 and is, in 2001, the Bayley Gardens. Beer-houses or public-houses followed. Some talented wives brewed beer of such good quality that it was sold 'from the door' to neighbours, thus providing extra income. Only one public house is recorded prior to the 1809 enclosure, 'The Black Horse', believed to have been in the pre-enclosure Cross Hill area. There may have been others. Following the 1809 enclosure the 'Buck Inn' was established. Coming of the railway in 1845 opened up the brickworks and coal depot in Sands Lane. Consequently, the small-holding over the railway-crossing got a licence to sell beer, today the 'Railway Tavern'. In the 1880's Mr Myers, a blacksmith in Lower Stonegate, successfully applied and 'The Horse Shoe' was established. These latter two did not obtain a spirits licence until well after World War 2. The 'Veterinary Arms' and 'The Cottage' were the last two to emerge. 'The Royal Oak', established as a true inn, tending the needs of travellers on the fast Hull to Scarborough stage in the mid-1800's, was never a village 'local'. The brewer's dray, for thirty years the responsibility of my late grandfather Dawson Mowthorpe, delivered beer from Hunmanby to the Sherburn and Scarborough Breweries for further distribution, every Wednesday. Beer brewed at Hunmanby Brewery was renowned for its excellent quality and taste. Could this be because most of the water entering the 'brewery well' drained through 'All Saint's' churchyard !!

Copyright. 2001
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