There is an old photograph of the Old Elm Tree taken at the turn of the last century which shows a horse and trap outside the pub. There is a sign which reads: ‘The Old Elm Tree. William Gilder. Licensed to sell beer and cider drank on the premises. Dealer in tobacco.” The whitewashed building is shown to be facing Church Road.
Evesham Standard & West Midland Observer, Saturday 7th July 1894: Bishops Cleeve Fire. At mid-day on Monday a fire broke out in the premises of Mr. Belcher, baker and shop keeper. The flames soon caught the thatch of the roof and commenced to spreaf rapidly along to the next house – The Old Elm Tree Inn, which was in the occupation of Mr. Gilder. The furniture was quickly removed from both houses. There were plenty of willing hands, carrying water and pumping the engine, but the flames had got a firm hold of the two houses and it was thought advisable to direct the spray of water upon those parts which were near other thatched houses. Very little of the two houses now remain. If it had not been for the great assistance rendered by the villagers doubtless several other houses would have been burnt in like manner. Both houses are insured.
Cheltenham Examiner, Wednesday 15th April 1908 – Drunk on licensed premises: Joseph Trapp was summoned for being on the premises of the Old Elm Tree Inn, Bishop’s Cleeve, on the 28th March. P.C. Larner said he called at the inn and, seeing the defendant there drunk, asked him to leave. After some difficulty the man left, and witness assisted him to his home. William Carter, licensee of the inn, deposed that he had refused the defendant drink, because he had had enough, and was in the act of putting the man out when the constable arrived. The Bench imposed a fine of 6s., with 6s. costs. Defendant (who had denied the offence) – ‘That’s a bit thick, I reckon, for a foolhardy thing like that.’
After closure in 1960 the pub was converted to the Elm Tree Youth centre but this has also closed down. There is nothing visible on the building to suggest that it was once a pub.
Licensing Details:
Owner in 1891: William Wilcox (free from brewery tie)
Rateable value in 1891: £19.0s.0d.
Type of licence in 1891: Beerhouse
Owner in 1903: Sarah Wilcox (leased Cheltenham Original Brewery)
Rateable value in 1903: £22.10s.0d.
Type of licence in 1903: Beerhouse
Closing time in 1903:
Landlords at the Old Elm Tree include:
1891 William Gilder
1903 James Witts
1908 William Carter
1939 Ethel Chandler
