The Butchers Arms dates back to the 18th century. It was originally used as an abattoir where animals grazing on the nearby common lands were sent for slaughter – at least that is the story on how the pub got its name!
The Citizen: Thursday, February 2nd 1984 – Unusual visitors: A pub near Stroud had a group of unusual visitors last night – a team of firemen called to deal with a wooden beam smouldering in the bar. But the good news for regulars at the Butchers Arms at Oakridge as that it is business as usual. Manager Mr Andrew Vowles explained, “The fire brigade dealt with a chimney fire earlier in the day, but a spark must have got into a beam above the chimney. It began smouldering and they were called back to cut part of it away. All it will mean is a replacement beam.”
The Butchers Arms was sold to Wadworth & Co of Devizes in the Spring of 2006.
When Ian and Jane became landlords in July 2007 their arrival coincided with the infamous Great Gloucestershire Flood. When the draymen from Wadworths’ Brewery were delivering beer on the morning of Friday 20th July the incessant rain had flooded the cellar knee deep in height. To make matters worse the sump pump could not cope and broke down. The residents of Oakridge Lynch came to Ian and Jane’s rescue and helped remove the water from the cellar and clear up the mess. The pub opened on time in the evening! However, the nightmare was not over as the mains water was cut off due to the flooding of the water treatment plant. Wadworth came to their assistance by supplying casks full of water from the Devizes Brewery.
This page will be updated with additional information.
Map reference: SO 915038
Licensing Details:
Owner in 1891: Godsell & Sons, Salmon Springs Brewery, Stroud
Rateable value in 1891: £12.12s.0d.
Type of licence in 1891: Alehouse
Rateable value in 1903: £12.12s.0d.
Type of licence in 1903: Alehouse
Owners in 2006: Wadworth & Co., Brewers, Devizes, Wiltshire
Landlords at the Butchers Arms include:
Owner in 1903: Godsell & Sons, Salmon Springs Brewery, Stroud
1856 P. Gardiner
1885,1891 Edward Hayden
1902 Ned Hayden
1903,1906 William Young
1919 Mrs Ann Young
1927 Oliver Young
1939 Frank E. Gardiner
1960-70 (approx.) Philip Gardiner
1986,2002 Brian and Peter Coupe (Brothers)
2005 (12th May) Stuart Orsborn, Rachel Cray and Mike Hughes
2007 (July 18th) Ian McInally and Jane Morgan
