The 16th century Barrel Inn was located on the western side of the High Street between Smiths Lane and Quay Street (roughly mid way between the Britannia Inn and the Anchor Hotel). The Barrel had a full licence but was tied to the Stratford on Avon Flowers Brewery for beer only. (1891 & 1903 licensing books).
The Barrel had fine plate glass windows extending almost to the full length from floor to ceiling. Ancill’s Court, a passageway, divided the pub in two. To the right of Ancill’s court was a front bar room and a back bar, and to the left a small front room with a bar and a tiny snug. Behind this was domestic accommodation. There was also a skittle alley at the rear.
The Barrel Inn closed in 1965. The licence of the Barrel Inn was transferred to the new Canterbury pub. It was demolished on 31st July 1971 and a nondescript modern building now stands on the site. A green and gold cask that used to hang over the doorway was removed upon closure and may still be in existence.
Licensing Details:
Owner in 1891: Flowers & Sons, Brewers, Stratford on Avon
Rateable value in 1891: £19.0s.0d.
Type of licence in 1891: Alehouse
Owner in 1903: Flowers & Sons, Brewers, Stratford on Avon
Rateable value in 1903: £28.0s.0d.
Type of licence in 1903: Alehouse
Closing time in 1903: 11pm
Landlords at the Barrel Inn include:
1841-1845 James Dee
1845 Louisa Jeffs (widow)
1863- 1868 Mary Ann Willcox
-1872 James Ball
-1872 Richard Wells
1891 Fanny Hoare
1891-1900 Catherine Crisp
1900 W. D. Applebly
1900-1901 Alexander Romanes
1901-1907 John Ball James
1907 (February) Francis Oliver
1907 (March) George Print
1907 (Nov)-1908 C.W. Stafford -Boucher
1908-1922 Thomas Halling
1922-1942 Thomas Wellon
1942 Frederick Bradford
1959-1963 Norman Jackson
1963-1965 Claire Ferriday
1965 John Chaffey
