7 Llanthony Road in 1939 Kellys directory. The Llanthony Bridge Inn took its name from the bridge on the Gloucester and Sharpness canal, only a few yards away from the pub.
The Llanthony Bridge Inn closed c.1972. After standing for many years it was demolished in 2008 to make way for the new prestigious Gloucester Quays development. The demolition of the property saw the loss of a unique piece of local brewery history. To the rear of the old pub could be seen painted in capital letters ‘The Llanthony Bridge Inn’. On careful examination an older painted sign was just visible beneath the painted letters. The words ‘Stroud Ales’ could be made out beneath the larger word INN.
It was said that there were tunnels running from the cellar of the pub to Llanthony Priory on the other side of the canal. Apparently these tunnels were originally used by monks escaping from religious persecution but they later became havens for smuggling. The building was also said to be haunted. In 1974 a team of archaeologists were using the building as a base and sleeping overnight at the old inn. They were all disturbed by loud crashing noises and the unexplained slamming of doors.
Gloucester Journal. Saturday, November 10th, 1973 – In the steps of the smugglers: A temporary use has been found for the old Llanthony Inn, Gloucester’s ‘Smuggler’s Pub’. The building has been leased until June 1976 by the City Museum Excavation Unit who hopes to move in during the next few weeks. They are at present based at the City museum in Brunswick Road, but for some time have needed their own premises, and now have received council permission to take-over the pub.
Landlords at the Llanthony Bridge Inn include:
1856,1859 John Cale
1879 Ford & Witts
1885 Henry John Radford
1893 T. Parry
1902,1906 Alfred Arthur Johnston
1919 Sidney Stephen Mitchell
1927 Mrs Emily Mitchell
1936,1957 Emily E. Price
c.1972 Stephen Forbes was the last landlord
