The Horse and Groom was probably the nearest ‘tied’ pub to Taylers’ Cotswold Brewery, located just a few yards to the immediate left of the brewery in the West End.
Gloucestershire Chronicle, Saturday 18th June 1853 – Deaths: On June 7th, at the Horse and Groom, Northleach, Mrs Martha Wheeler, aged 72.
Wilts & Glos Standard, Saturday 25th November 1893 – A woman killed by the storm: An inquiry touching the death of Rosa Hannah Mills, of Hampnett, 63 years of age, whose dead body was found during the terrible storm of last Saturday, was held at the Rectory School Room, Hampnett. Miss Annie Gillett, barmaid at the Horse and Groom Inn, Northleach, said deceased usually called in on her way to and from Hampnett. On Saturday she called and partook of some beer on her way back. She drank part of a pint of beer and ate some biscuits. She left about five o’clock, remarking to witness that she “battled her way down and she must battle it back again.” The jury on the completion of the evidence agreed upon the following verdict:- “That deceased was found dead in a field near Hampnett, and that her death was due to exhaustion and exposure to the cold.”
Bristol Times and Mirror, Monday 6th January 1908. Letters: Does anyone know anything definite about Northleach Guggle? A resident of that interesting old town kindly informs us that “The Guggle” is a place about 8ft by 8ft., octagonal in form. It has several niches in the walls. There is a diversity of opinion as to its antiquity, some thinking it is wonderful, and others going so far as to laugh about it. When the Bristol & Gloucestershire Archeological Society went to Northleach some of the members were interested in the Guggle but were also puzzled.
From the booklet ‘Gloucestershire Inns’, published in 1924 – At Northleach the Horse and Groom was at one time a monks’ rest-house at a midway stage between Oxford and Gloucester. It contains an old chapel, known irreverently as the “Guggle” and interesting cellars – and whoever is privileged to peep into these cellars is forced to believe that however spiritually minded the monks may have been they were not altogether unmindful of the pleasures of the table.”
Gloucestershire Chronicle, Saturday 26th May 1923 – The Licensing (Consolidation) Act, 1910: Notice is hereby given that the principal meeting meeting to be held pursuant to the Licensing Rules, 1910, by the Compensation Authority for the County of Gloucester, will be held at the Shire Hall, Gloucester, on the 13th day of June 1923, at 11 a.m. And notice is hereby also given that the Compensation Authority will at the meeting be prepared to hear with reference to the renewal of several specified premises including the Horse and Groom beerhouse, Northleach, where James Hunt is the licensee.
Edit: The Horse & Groom was referred for compensation on Wednesday 6th June 1923.
Cheltenham Chronicle, Saturday 26th April 1924 – The Property Market: Mr W.B. Fletcher conducted a sale of properties at the Wheatsheaf Hotel on Wednesday evening. A property offered was the well-known house, the Horse and Groom Inn or, as it was locally known, “The Guggle”, with the butcher’s shop attached, owned by the Cheltenham Original Brewery Company, This was purchased by Mr. A.D. Ward, whose premises adjoin for £300.
Cheltenham Chronicle, Saturday 9th March 1935 – Accidential discovery near The Guggle: Many theories and conjectures have been advanced in connection with the old guggle situated at the West End of Northleach. Formerly this quaint dome-shaped little room formed part of the premises of the Horse & Groom Inn. No licence exists now, and the house is occupied by Mr James Clayton and his family.
On Friday afternoon his daughter, Miss May Clayton, narrowly escaped being precipated into a deep shaft or well just outside the guggle, or (as it is known locally) the “Pilgrim’s Rest’. Miss Clayton only saved herself by clutching her companion. Only a short time before a perambulator with a child in it was standing at the very spot.
About two tons of earth fell to the bottom of the shaft. It was not until the hole was examined that fresh interest was aroused. At a depth of about 40 feet there were discovered excavations made laterally into the limestone in at least four directions. The main tunnel was found to be about six feet high, and at one place eight feet wide. It extended under the main road towards the direction of the church and could be explored for a distance of about 30 to 40 yards. The find caused a great deal of excitement, and many theories were expounded to the possible origin of this wonder hole.
A few feet underground on the street side of the shaft is a cellar-like chamber with an arched roof. Between this and the wall of the guggle is a shaft. It is difficult to imagine that the shaft was sunk for obtaining building stone from such a depth when it is considered that as a rule stone is only a few feet from the surface. The only other reasons from a utility point of view are that it was the well or the system of drainage that prevailed locally.
The word guggle as applied to the little room in question is doubtless derived from its likeness to the shell of a snail. It has been advanced by experts who have visited the place that it was once the shrine or the halting-place for pilgrims. Others hold the view that the shaped room was a whim on the part of the builder. Further investigations may through fresh light on the matter.
The bottom of the shaft could not be examined owing to the fall of earth, but it can be regarded as fairly dry. There was only a slight infiltration of water anywhere.
Gloucestershire Echo, 3rd August 2000 – An ideal opportunity to acquire a slice of history: Lane Fox of Cirencester is delighted to have received instructions to sell The Guggle in Northleach. Listed in Pevsner’s Buildings of England, The Guggle has extrordinary character, intriguing rooms, history and features. The three good-sized bedrooms are reached by spiral staircase and have wooden flooring. The sitting room has a large open fireplace, a window seat, and connects to the cellar, via a stone spiral staircase. The cellar unusually features a fireplace and a corner stone manger with a beer shute to the outside street. There is also a kitchen and dining roon downstairs, but by far the most unusual feature is the domed stone vaulted room with its archtectural intricacies and an old wall painting,
The Guggle is a unique 17th century cottage with the potential to make an attractive home with lots of character. Guide price £195,000.
Above image: Chris Amies
Licensing Details:
Owner in 1891: Tayler’s Cotswold Brewery, Northleach
Rateable value in 1891: £10.8s.0d.
Type of licence in 1891: Beerhouse
Owner in 1903: Tayler’s Cotswold Brewery, Northleach
Rateable value in 1903: £12.15s.0d.
Type of licence in 1903: Beerhouse
Closing time in 1903: 10pm
Landlords at the Horse & Groom include:
1891 Charles Gillett
1903 Mary Jane Gasher
Gloucestershire Echo, Thursday 17th August 1916 – Northleach Petty Sessions: ‘A hold-over license for the Horse and Groom Inn, Northleach, was granted to Mr James Hunt from Mrs M.J. Hall.’
1923 James Hunt