Wilts & Gloucestershire Standard, 25th August 1897 – Lechlade – Scarlet Fever Epidemic: On Saturday morning Mr Coroner Ball held an inquest on the body of a sixteen year old girl, dressmaker, daughter of the Landlord of the Bell Inn, Lechlade. who was found dead in bed on the previous Thursday morning.
It appeared that the deceased had been ailing for some days with a sore throat and pains in the head and left side, but she was out in the street on the Wednesday. She took some beef tea, and went to bed at 5.30 in the evening, sleeping with her sister Alice, who was ill with scarlatina, three other members of the family being in an adjoining room suffering from the same complaint. The mother, who had herself suffered from scarlet fever, visited the room several times during the night and, at four o’clock in the morning, noticed a great change in the deceased, when examined she proved to be quite dead.
A neighbour and Dr Walker were sent for and the doctor then saw her for the first time. Mr C H Bloxsome, surgeon, of Fairford, desposed that, in accordance with the Coroner’s instructions, he made a post mortem examination. There was no suggestion of death from other than natural causes, and the death was due to suppressed scarlet fever – very high temperature, and syncope following. He commented strongly on the state of matters in Lechlade in consequence of the prevalence of scarlet fever, and urged the adoption of necessary precautions.
The Bell Inn is not mentioned in the 1903 licensing book of Gloucestershire inns and taverns. The 300 year old building is now in use as the Old Bell Pottery.
Wilts & Gloucestershire Standard, November 2003. Promotion – What’s new in the High Street in Lechlade? or rather ‘What’s Old’: Take a look at the shop and newly restored stable at the Old Bell Pottery with its exposed beams and cobbled floor, the old manger is still there too. The main building which was once two separate cottages is about 300 years old and has had many uses in its time such as the Bell Inn, a club house and pottery workshop. The present owners are enjoying restoring the property’s original features. Having a policy of supporting and encouraging traditional crafts, they have a delightful selection of crafted goods for sale, well worth a look.
Map Reference: SU 213995
Licensing Details:
Owner in 1891: Cirencester Brewery
Rateable Value in 1891: £12.2s.3d.
Type of licence in 1891: Alehouse
Landlords at the Bell Inn include:
1856 G. Hawkins
1891 Charles Stevens