The Cross Keys was located on the western side of the High Street near the cross. It was once an important coaching inn.
B. Linnell in his excellent book ‘Public Houses of Tewkesbury’ (1972) writes: “Long before Queen Victoria came to the throne the Cross Keys was an inn of high reputation and great value. Not only was it valued by the weary traveller as a haven from the rigours of the stagecoach, it was also the centre for meetings of local inhabitants. The high standard of the kitchens and cellars persuaded all levels of guilds and associations to select the Cross Keys as the venue of their banquet or presentation.”
The Cross Keys closed in 1857. The frontage of the inn is now occupied by 11 and 11A High Street.
Map Reference: SO 894327
Landlords at the Cross Keys include:
1775 William Ricketts
1775-1782 Martha Ricketts (widow)
1782-1785 H. Ricketts
1785-1789 Martha Ricketts (widow)
1789- 1795 Samuel Ricketts
1795-1801 Elizabeth Ricketts (widow)
1801-1813 Henry New
1813-1820 John Miles
1820,1822 Joseph Higgins
1830 John Edwards
1834 John Edwards
1837-1845 P. Thomas
1856 W. Merrell
1857 Henry Merrell
