The Bunch of Grapes was located opposite the Booth Hall Hotel. In 1870 it was described as a ‘resort of sailors and women of low character.’
Gloucestershire Chronicle 7th of April 1844
Charge of False Pretences. —John Thomas Stevens, the keeper of the Bunch of Grapes, Westgate-street. in this city, was charged with having obtained, in August 1842, a quantity of cider by false pretences, from John Smith. Mr. Newton prosecuted, and Mr. Greaves defended the prisoner. The indictment contained various averments.
John Smith said—Early in August, 1842, the prisoner came to my house, at the London Road, to buy cider; I knew that he was then keeping the Bunch of Grapes, and I knew also that at one time he had been in embarrassed circumstances; when he came to me he said “I am doing well, thank God, I have paid all my debts, I do not owe a shilling” he said if I would sell him some cider, as it would be required for the Assizes, he would pay me on its delivery, as he had plenty of silver at home; he said was making £200 a year by his business, and would do better but his wife did not very well like the business; in consequence of his undertaking to pay for the cider on delivery, I sent 161 gallons, in two casks: when the second cask was sent home I went for the money, when he said “I cannot pay you, because the Sheriff has been in, and taken all that I have,” and then pointed to the officer in charge ; I asked if he would let me have my cider back again, but he refused, saying that he had nothing to with it, and that I might talk to the officer; the officer told me that he had been placed in possession at the instance of Mr. Washbourne; I afterwards opposed the prisoner in the bankruptcy court.
The prisoner underwent a long cross-examination, as to various transactions in which he had been engaged, with the view, apparently. of making out that he had not often been successful in his applications to magistrates. &c. Mr. A. G. Jones, solicitor, stated that he was Under-Sheriff in 1842, and that on the 29th of July of that year a warrant was issued on a writ of execution from the Court of Queen’s Bench, and given to James Bennett, a Sheriff’s officer.
James Bennett, Sheriff’s officer, stated that he took possession of the prisoner’s property on the 30th of July, and remained, by deputy, for a longer time than the 5th of August.
The Judge here intimated that the only averment contained in the indictment which had been spoken to was that of falsely pretending that he would pay for the cider on delivery. This his lordship did not think sufficient to justify going on with the case. and directed verdict of acquittal. Mr. Newton applied for the expences [sic] of the prosecution, but his lordship did not comply.
(the above information courtesy Dr Martyn Beaufort)
Gloucester Journal. Saturday February 12th 1870: Susan Cambridge, an unfortunate, was charged for refusing to leave the Bunch of Grapes in Westgate Street when requested by the landlord. Mr Bayliss said that at half past ten o’clock on Sunday night the defendant came to his house and in consequence of her previous bad conduct he had given instructions that she was not to be supplied with any refreshment and when she asked for any she was refused and told to leave the house. She refused and complainant went to the other side of the counter to put her out when she caught hold of his arm and tried to bite his hand. She was one of several who caused a great annoyance by coming to this house. A person named Davis who stated that she was the defendants only sister and was a widow said the defendant had led a very wild life but seemed very sorry. If she would be steady and go to work (the sister) would take her home she had promised to lead a steady life. The defendant contented to go home with her sister and was discharged.
Gloucestershire Chronicle. April 16th 1870: Disorderly women – Annie Bayliss, known also by the name of Bell, a woman of a class, was charged with being drunk and disorderly in the streets on the night of 11th of February. PC Maggs said that when he was ordered by the landlord of the Bunch of Grapes, Westgate Street, to send the girls away at eleven o’clock at night, Bayliss refused to go and he pushed her out whereupon she became very disorderly in the street. This being the first time that she had been in custardy, she was cautioned and discharged – Emma Davis of the same class was charged by PC Howes for being drunk and disorderly and using obscene language in Northgate Street on the night of 12th February. She had been convicted several times before and was fined two pounds with costs – in default fourteen days imprisonment.
Landlords:
1844 John Thomas Stevens
1856 J. Meredith
1870 Mr Bayliss