The New Inn was located only a few yards away from the Royal Foresters in Littledean Hill.
The fixed annual rateable value of £9.10s.0d. throughout the years 1891 to 1903 would suggest that the New Inn was quite a basic and modest establishment. The earliest reference that I have come across is in 1869 when Daniel Meredith is listed as the occupier. The family were still in residence in late Victorian / early Edwardian times when Mary Ann Meredith is the owner / occupier.
The New Inn closed on 27th April 1927. A valuation at the time gave the figure of about £300 for the property. Yet an astonishing one thousand one hundred and nighty eight pounds, seventeen shillings (£1,198.17s.) was paid in compensation. On the face of it, it seems like the Meredith family certainly received an offer that they simply could not refuse.
I was thrilled to receive an email from Roger Barnard who gave me the following information. I am most grateful.
The lady in the centre of the photograph is Mary Ann Meredith (my Great-Grandmother) who died 21.10.1904, she was the widow of Daniel Meredith (my Great-Grandfather who died 1.7.1888. The lady on Mary’s right is my Grandmother Emily who died 31.3.1922, aged 47 years, she married William Levi Barnard (my Grandfather) who died 14.4.1936 aged 58 years. The lady on Mary’s left is her daughter Kate who I understand married a Mr Harper who was Landlord of The Royal Foresters.
Following the death of Mary Ann my Grandparents Emily and William Levi continued to run The New Inn.
My Father, Cyril Meredith Barnard 25.7.1907 – 31.3.1965 was born at The New Inn as was his Brother Clarence William Meredith Barnard 21.11.1901 – 6.6.1975.
The photograph you have of The New Inn must have been taken within the past 2 or three years when the roof was replaced on the taller part of the building. It has not been extended. The part with the new dark roof was in fact a shop, possibly a Butcher’s as William Levi was a butcher. The part in front of which the women are standing was the pub. The living quarters were at the rear of the property.
With best wishes,
Roger Barnard
