inn 3 The Black Lion, Trent Vale.

The origins of the old Terrace Inn were I suspect at the same time included in the old row of five cottages terraced properties, just below what was to become known as Commercial Row, the old narrow short street leading to The Views. The first documents relating to the properties are dated the 29^th of July 1858, with the transfer of the cottages to Hester Till from her late husband John. This suggests that it was John that in all probability had inherited them from his parents who may have been there for several decades before 1858. By 1870, Hester had died, and the property was left to her daughter, Mrs Priscilla Scholes of Derby, and her son William Scholes. The property was promptly sold to Mary Ann Cliff on the 29th of December 1870 for the sun of £451. Mary Cliff, the licensee, was recorded as a widow but later married Mr Thomas Bratt.

For many years the old Terrace Inn was probably the most popular with the locals. Many stories still circulate of the old characters that frequented the pub. I recall my late friend Ernest Tew talking to me some thirty years ago of his memories of the 1930s and 40s when the back-room snug was often referred to as ‘The Third Programme’. The highlight of the pub was the little men’s smoke room where the conversation was brilliant, debating most things of the day from politics to religion. Sometimes they became very heated, especially after a few pints. Mugs were frequently picked up in anger but never actually thrown. It was here in this little room that everyone was an equal no matter what his position was. All were on Christian name terms and included many high-ranking officials from the council. It was truly a remarkable meeting place.

The White Lion Inn has at various times in its history has had the name Hotel tagged on. It commenced life as a coaching inn situated near the top of a steep hill called Honeywall commencing from the town of Stoke-upon-Trent, a road which dates from prehistoric times. The inn is shown on Yates’s map of 1775, and the 1777 Duchy of Lancaster Map on which it is recorded as in the occupation of Mr Thomas Appleton. Records for the Justices of the Peace at Stafford record the issuing of a licence to sell wines and spirits from the mid-18th century.

Thomas Appleton had established himself as a property owner as early as 1762 and was involved in numerous mortgage transactions over the following years, mostly concerning three cottages and stables, two of which were rented out while he occupied the other. Although no direct name is given to the property, I think it safe to assume that these three cottages would be the origins of what is now the White Lion Inn of today. The view from the front of the inn points to the conclusion that this could originally have been three cottages later converted into one.

In 1861 it was owned by Richard Stone who sold the plot of land at the rear of the inn to Frederick Bishop to enable a new road to be built from Honeywall to Princes Road, thereby opening up the area for housing development from 1865. Note the name Stone Street.

Probably as a direct result of the development of the nearby allotments housing estate towards the end of the 18th century, The White Lion was extended as can be seen from the red brick addition. By 1914, the inn was occupied by Harvey Howell, and owned by Burton Brewers, and described as the White Lion Inn with stables and garden. The annual rent paid by Mr Harvey amounted to £60, and the rates amounted to £48. If compared with those of The Beehive, it is obvious that The White Lion was a much more substantial establishment than The Beehive just across the road.