In the 1891 and 1903 licensing books of the County of Gloucestershire the beerhouse at Burleigh is listed without a name. The pub was later referred to as the Bell Inn. In the celebratory book 200 years of brewing at Cheltenham & Stroud (West Country Breweries), published in 1960, a mention is made of Mrs Emily Tuffley ‘a respected licensee, born in the house (The Bell) in 1888’. 

The property also traded as the Masons Arms.  Mrs Griffin of the Minchinhampton Women’s Institute prepared these notes in the late 1950’s.  ‘Mrs Tuffley, who now occupies the house told us that ” the beer once brewed there was excellent owing to the spring of soft ice cold water which was very suitable for brewing. Over the spring, which gushed into a trough, was an arch with a tunnel running behind. The beer was brewed in the corner.” She also told us that “the men working in the quarry used the water for making their tea. Skittles and cribbage were played at this inn.”  When the Masons Arms was closed the house was called Terrible House after H.M.S. Terrible, Mr. Tuffley’s ship. It is now called Vernon after H.M.S. Vernon. Mrs Tuffley used to take lodgers at £2.2s.0d. a week. For this she provided a cooked breakfast, a hot mid day meal, home made cakes for tea, and a hot dinner.”

It would appear that the Bell Inn / Masons Arms at Burleigh had already closed by the time that the book celebrating 200 years of brewing at Cheltenham and Stroud was produced in 1960. The property is now called the Bell – probably a better address than Terrible House! It is situated just below the in filled quarry adjoining Minchinhampton Common. The natural spring referred to by Mrs Griffin is still going strong! 

Map Reference:  SO 861015

Licensing Details:

Rateable Value 1891:  £12.15s.0d.

Type of licence in 1891: Beer & Cider

Owner in 1891: Paul Tuffley – leased to George Playne & Sons, Forwood Brewery, Minchinhampton

Rateable Value 1903: £12.15s.0d.

Type of licence in 1903: Beer & Cider

Owner in 1903: Paul Tuffley – leased to Stroud Brewery

Closing time in 1903: 10 pm

Landlords include:

1891,1903  Paul Tuffley

1960 Emily Tuffley 

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