SANVEY GATE HOUSE – SANVEY GATE TAVERN, 72 SANVEY GATE

Photo above by John Zienteck, circa 1946.

Jane Harrison was registered as victualler of Sanvey Gate House in the 1850 Directory.  By 1864, it was known as the Sanvey Gate Tavern.

Originally a home brew pub, LBM purchased the Sanvey Gate Tavern from Bates & Bishall on 29 August 1890.  In 1946 – around the time of this photo – the adjoining cottages to the right were purchased.

Bricklayer Joseph Waterfield, who lived in Sanvey Gate, followed Jane Harrison as victualler of the Sanvey Gate House circa 1852.  Waterfield was up before the Mayor many times for indiscretions of the licensing laws: twice in 1853, twice in 1854, again in 1856 and 1862.  It seems the police had an eye out for Joseph as one one offence he was charged with pulling ale ten minutes before opening time on a Sunday morning.

Joseph died aged forty five in 1864:  his wife, Mehala, took over, but she too died aged thirty seven two years later.  The beerhouse was now called the Sanvey Gate Tavern. 

Further licensees were Thomas Cufflin 1866, Charles Pilgim 1878, Joseph Tate 1880, William Biggs also 1880 Joseph Thorpe 1881, Matthew Gall also 1881; John Brigstock, 1885; Joseph Herbert 1890, Charles Houghton 1891, John Smith also 1891. Joseph Muddimer, 1897 In 1899 Joseph was charged in being drunk in charge of a pony and trap, his licence was objected to, but he was allowed to keep. (died 1916 after a short illness) Caroline Muddimer 1917 (died Oct 1918); Mrs Hilda Uren, 1918, Louis Wren 1919, Walter Knightly 1929. went right through to the 1950s..

The pub closed circa 2005.

James Butler, who rented the Sanvey Gate Tavern, was arrested by police when they found 167 cannabis plants in the property together, with specialist equipment.  Butler pleaded guilty but claimed them for his own use due to medical problems.  Butler then produced a doctor’s letter saying he had arthritis. The receiver said the maximum sentence was fourteen years, but as they were for his own use Butler was sentenced to 4 months, suspended for twelve months.

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