This was one of the new beer houses or shops after the 1830 Beer Act came into being.
The Paul Pry in Church Gate is recorded in January 1831, most possibly the first beerhouse in the country to carry the name. We know this from a newspaper coverage of a court case when the landlord of the Paul Pry was fined 40/- plus costs for allowing ale to be drunk after 10pm closing. Unfortunately, the report doesn’t give his name but states that he had been repeatedly warned of his behaviour, which suggests the beerhouse was there in 1830.
In May 1832, Constable Bodycote whilst walking up Church Gate between 9pm and 10pm, and on reaching the Paul Pry he listened at the window. He had not long been eavesdropping when he heard a man say, ’Now you cut for deal.’ Constable Bodycote then called for Constable Jeffrey, and having found him they both entered the Paul Pry together, seizing the cards with which the men were playing. Landlord Winnington said he never allowed card playing in his house, but being out of the room, a man drew a pack from his pocket and his customers commenced a game. Winnington was fined 40/- with costs.
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