Barley Mow, Hereford Street
1822 Thomas Drew Stephens
Hereford Journal - 4th September 1822
TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION - At the Radnorshire Arms Inn, Presteigne, on Wednesday the eighteenth day of September next, between the hours of Four and Six in the afternoon, Subject to conditions as shall be then produced.
ALL that MESSUAGE or DWELLING-HOUSE called THE BARLEY MOW INN, with the Malt-house, Buildings, Yard, Garden and Orchard, thereto adjoining, and belonging, Situate in Hereford-street, in the Town of Presteign, in the County of Radnor, now in the Occupation of Mr Thomas Drew Stephens.
For Particulars apply to Messrs. James and Bodenham, Solicitors, Hereford.
1835 Mary Stephens - (Pigot’s Directory)
Mary Stephens was the Daughter of Thomas Drew Stephens.
Hereford Journal - 29th June 1836
Lately, at the Barley Mow Inn, Presteign, in the 76th year of her age, Rebecca, relict of the late Mr T D Stephens.
Hereford Journal - 15th March 1837
On Sunday last died, at the Barley Mow, Presteign, Miss Stephens, aged 36, she was a kind friend, and will be much regretted by those who knew her.
1844 Evan James - (Pigot’s Directory)
1851 Robert Bore
Hereford Times - 12th July 1856
TRANSFER OF LICENSE. - The Barley Mow, in Presteign, was transferred from Robert Bore to John Henry Weaver.
Robert and his wife Gwen went on to run the Duke’s Arms
1859 John & Elizabeth Weaver - (Slater’s Directory)
1861 John & Harriet Lucas
Hereford Journal - 2nd October 1861
TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION, BY MR. H. M. JONES, At the RADNORSHIRE ARMS HOTEL, in the town of Presteign, at the hour of 4 o'clock in the afternoon of MONDAY, the 21st day of OCTOBER, 1861, subject to conditions to be then produced.
The reversion of all that well-situated thriving PUBLIC-HOUSE called the "Barley Mow," together with Malt-house, now in full work, excellent Garden and premises, situate in Hereford-street, in the town of Presteign, now in the occupation of Mr. John Lucas. A Land-Tax of 3s., is payable annually on this Lot.
In 1866 John Lucas took over the license of the Melbourne Arms, Commercial Street, Hereford.
1871 John & Elizabeth Weaver
1875 John & Elizabeth Weaver - (Worrall’s Directory)
1880 John & Elizabeth Weaver - (Slater’s Directory)
1881 John & Elizabeth Weaver
1891 Elizabeth Weaver (widow)
1895 Elizabeth Weaver (widow) - (Kelly’s Directory)
Brecon and Radnor Express - 18th February 1897
MYSTERIOUS FIRE AT THE BARLEY MOW.
DASTARDLY CONDUCT OF SPECTATORS.
On Sunday morning last, about 3 a.m., Mrs Perrott, who resides with her mother Mrs Weaver, at the Barley Mow, was awoke by the smell of fire. She got up and went into the bedrooms, thinking her mother may have left the candle alight, but finding smoke she went down-stairs, and upon opening the parlour door flames burst forth, showing there was a serious fire inside.
She called to some lodgers in the house, who gave the alarm, and the Fire Brigade, under Supt Watkins, was on the spot in a few minutes.
Flames were subdued without the help of the engine, but not until a considerable amount of damage had been done both to the property and the furniture, a fine pier glass being smashed to pieces.
In this room Mrs Weaver kept several valuable articles, most of which are more or less damaged.
How the fire started is a mystery, as neither Mrs Weaver nor Mrs Perrott had any fire or light in the room the previous day, and when they retired at half-past eleven everything was safe and secure.
The discovery was made just in the right time, for had the fire been
burning a little while longer, the damage would have been considerable.
We understand that Mrs Weaver is insured in the Alliance Fire Office.
During the time of the fire some scoundrel or other entered the kitchen and stole a piece of beef and other provisions, also two plum puddings and a box of knives and prongs. The box the thief took up the yard at the back of the house, and took there from six knives and six prongs, a wedding gift of Mrs Perrott's. They left the remainder in the box.
It is to be hoped the thieves will be found out, but unfortunately both the police officers stationed at Presteign are laid up.
For a short time in the 1890's George & Marian Hopkins had been Inn Keepers
Leominster News - 9th February 1900
ALLEGED DRUNKENNESS OF A LANDLORD: Mr. Hopkins, landlord of the Barley Mow, was summoned by P.S. Evans, for being drunk on his own premises. It appeared from the officer's evidence that upon visiting the Barley Mow he found the place shut up and tried the back door, but found it fastened. He heard swearing, and looking through the kitchen window he saw defendant standing by a table and afterwards go out of the room, and make his way to the foot of the stairs. Witness heard him going up-stairs, and afterwards saw him at the window swearing. Mrs Hopkins came down the yard crying, and made a complaint. Witness told her he would do nothing under the circumstances and went up the yard.
By the Chairman: Defendant was alone in the house.
Cross-examined by Mr. Carless, Llandrindod, for the defence: He had known defendant two and half years, but never saw him drunk, but he was drunk on this occasion.
Mr. Carless said there could not be any conviction against a man for being drunk on his own premises when they were closed, and quoted a case of Lester v. Torrens.
The Justices' Clerk said this referred to a case where the house was closed after closing hours.
Mr. Carless contended that the house was "physically closed," there being no one else on the premises.
The Chairman said the police evidence showed that the witness had not tried the front door. The Bench could not therefore hold the house was closed. But as there was no evidence to show the man was drunk the case would be dismissed.
Mr. Carrane, solicitor, of Wellington, appeared on behalf of the Brewery Co. who are ace the lessees of the house.
Western Mail - 20th August 1900
At a special petty-sessions held at Presteign on Saturday Walter Thomas, a farm servant of Kerry, near Newtown. was committed to the assizes charged with stealing a mare, the property of Mr. Hopkins, the Barley Mow, Presteign.
Hereford Journal - 8th September 1900
The temporary transfer of the license of the Barley Mow Inn from Mr. George Hopkins, of the Barley Mow Inn to Mr. James Harris, of Kington, was granted.
1901 James & Fanny Harris
Leominster News - 6th September 1901
SERIOUS CHARGE AGAINST A HOTEL KEEPER.- James Harris, landlord of the Barley Mow, was summoned for assaulting the police, and also for refusing to admit the police on his licensed premises.
Mr. Hind (from Messrs. Corner and Comer, Hereford), appeared for defendant.
P.C. Bailie deposed that on the 24th of August he was on duty in Hereford Street. About 7 p.m. be went to the Barley Mow. When he got inside the front door be saw defendant, who told him he had no right there, and ordered him out. Witness told him he had a right to visit his licensed premises. Defendant then took hold of him by the arms and tried to push him out. Witness told him he should report him.
In cross-examination by Mr. Hind witness admitted telling the defendant he was drunk. He had not reported him for being drunk.
Sergt. Jones deposed that on the 30th August he served defendant with the summonses. Defendant said, "I did not assault him, I only forbade him to enter the house." Whilst witness was reading the summons Mrs. Harris came and asked what was the bother. Defendant said, "I have been served with a summons for assaulting Bailie." She said. "Yes, you did."
Mr. Hind cross-examined Sergt. Jones, but did not shake his evidence.
Mr. Hind made a speech for the defence, and put defendant in the box. Defendant's evidence totally contradicted the police.
A hawker, named Hughes and his wife, also gave evidence. Mrs Hughes deposed to being present when Bailie came in. She saw the whole of the transaction, and was emphatic in her declaration that defendant did not put his hands on Bailie, but was equally emphatic that Bailie did put his hands on defendant.
The Bench retired to consider the case, and on their return, the Chairman said defendant had been ably defended, but they found the charges proved, and defendant would be fined £1 and 10s. 6d. costs for assaulting the police, and 10s. and 11s, 6d. costs for refusing to admit the police.
Upon the application of Mr. Hind the license was renewed.
Leominster News - 9th May 1902
TRANSFER.- The license of the Barley Mow was transferred from Mr. Harris to Mr. Jay, of Whitton.
Leominster News - 30th May 1902
James Harris, Barley Mow, Presteign, licensed victualler, came up for his examination.
Mr H Easton represented the Kington and Radnor Bank.
The statement of affairs showed that the gross liabilities to be £363 19s. 1½d., expected to rank £345 19s. 1½d., assets, £69 15s. 3d., deficiency £267 3s. 10½d
The debtor, in his examination, said he took the Barley Mow on 9th September, 1900. He had been doing posting before, and had some little money, though he owed something. The ingoing cost him £70, and he had £60 of it from the Kington and Radnor Bank. At the end of twelve months he found he was getting behind.
He had no previous experience of a public house, but one who had been a barmaid came for a month or six weeks and gave him an insight into the business. It was true that he failed through want of trade, and that was not his fault. There had been complaints against him, but it was because of the conduct of his family. He had been a temperate man, and it was not true that he had been drinking on the premises. He had tried to get out of the business before, but when it became known his creditors all came upon him.
He filed his petition on 12th April, but did not leave the house till the 6th May. His debts amounted to £345, and were due principally to the Wrekin Brewery Co. and spirit merchants. He owed the brewery £120, and other firms £87. The house was a big place, and it was a great expense to keep it up. He gave up to the new tenant, Mr Jay, and at the request of the Brewery he kept it on till he came. He did all he could to save expense, but he had a heavy family, and the expenses were heavy.
He regarded his bankruptcy as his misfortune and not his fault. His daughter at one time kept an account of the takings, but they were so small that it was not worth while doing so and it was given up. There was an execution and he filed his petition. The furniture was his except some articles which belonged to his wife. He had some
more money from the Bank to pay a creditor who was pressing him more than others.
Mr Eaton, in reply to the Registrar, said the question he had to ask had been put by the Official Receiver.
The examination was adjourned, the statement to be completed.
Hereford Journal - 29th April 1905
OBITUARY. - We regret to have to record the death of Mrs Elizabeth Weaver, of this town, which sad event occurred at the residence of her son-in-law, Mr William Price, at Cotmore, near Lyonshall, on Thursday, 20th April.
Deceased, who had only been ill for about a week, was the widow of the late Mr J Weaver, of the Barley Mow Inn, Presteigne. She was the owner of considerable property in Presteign. She leaves one son, Mr William Weaver, and one daughter, Mrs William Price, of Cotmore.
The funeral took place on Tuesday at Presteign.
Leominster News - 5th October 1906
UNJUST MEASURES. Mr. H. R. Jay, of the Barley Mow Inn, was summoned by the Inspector of Weights and Measures for having an unstamped pewter pint for use for trade.
Mr. Moseley appeared for the Prosecutor, and stated the facts for the prosecution. The explanation given was that the measure was one recently bought of a hawker.
Prosecutor stated it appeared to have been recently used.
Defendant, who said he knew nothing about it until the summons was served, was fined 10s., and costs 10s.
1910 Herbert Richard Jay - (Kelly’s Directory)
1911 Lilan Maria Jay
Lilan married Frederick Ashworth Hetch in 1912 in Presteigne.
1923 Frederick & Lilan Maria Hetch - (Kelly’s Directory)
1924 Mr. W. G. Pugh
1937 Mr. W Passey
1938 Harold John Evans
1939 William Edward Sewell
Kington Times - 27th June 1942
LICENSEE FINED
William George Sewell. 48. former licensee of Presteign. was charged with two offences. The first charge was that on February 21st. 1940. at the pariah of Knighton, he gave certain false information to the Registrar of Births and Deaths of the sub-district of Knighton, concerning the death of Harold John Baker Evans.
The other charge was that on March 14th, 1941. at the Pariah of Presteign, he gave to the Registrar of Births and Deaths of the sub-district of Knighton, false in-formation concerning the birth of Dermot McMurrough Sewell Evans.
Defendant pleaded guilty to both counts.
Mr. Garwyn Thomas, instructed by Mr. S. R. Griffiths. solicitor, Llanwrtyd Wells, for the prosecution. said that defendant had been living at Birmingham and on October 14th came to Presteign and applied for the licence of the Barley Mow Inn, which was granted to him in the name of Harold John Baker Evans. Mrs. Evans. the wife of Harold John Baker Evans came to live at the Barley Mow and later her husband also came to live there, and died there in 1940. He also stated that he was the brother of the man who had died. whereas he was not related to him. On February 21st. 1941. a child was born to Mrs. Evans and this was registered as D. M. Sewell Evans. Counsel added that accused's wife died in May. 1940, three months after Mr Evans had died and that Sewell was now married to Mrs. Evans. The licence was withdrawn from him as late as March. 1942.
Inspector A. E Williams stated that Sewell was born at Burton-on-Trent. He was 49 years of age and had served in H.M. Forces (the 11th Hussars) from 1910 to 1921. He had been employed in the Birmingham district as a chauffeur, and from November. 1938. to March 10th. 1942. had held the license of the Barley Mow Inn at Presteign. in the name of H. J. B. Evans. He was now unemployed but could get a position; he was now a free man.
In reply to the Judge as to why he had done this, defendant said for business reasons, and asked his Lordship to take a lenient view of the case.
His Lordship said that the view he took of the accused's conduct was he thought he was being clever but he was not, but was making an ass of himself. He should order accused to pay a fine of £10 and he would also have to pay the costs of the prosecution which had been incurred through hi. folly.
In discharging the Jury his Lordship congratulated the county on the absence of serious crime which state of things he hoped world continue. The thanks of the county were due to the jury for their attendance.
The Barley Mow Inn closed in 2001.