The Old Lodge Inn is a 16th century Cotswold stone building set in the heart of Minchinhampton Common. It is thought that the inn was a former hunting lodge of Henry VIII.
The structure today has its origins in the C17th, but with additions and alterations built in every century thereafter, up to the present. Its original purpose is the subject of much debate, including theories on, a base for the nobility when deer-hunting & some have suggested, that the Lodge had its origin as a house for the Warrener, who managed a mediaeval rabbit warren on the Common. Rabbit meat could provide a valuable protein source during the winter months, and the animals were kept in artificial burrows. Another legend, which persists strongly to the present day, is that which states King Charles played bowls here on his way to the Siege of Gloucester in 1643. (info: Stroud CAMRA)
Gloucester Journal: June 24th, 1882: Nailsworth Court – George Cribley was charged with being drunk on licensed premises. Mrs Gray, of the Old Lodge Inn, stated that the defendant, her brother, came to her house drunk on Tuesday with a friend and called for beer, and on being refused used bad language – Anthony Fewster corroborated. Thomas Dudley, defendant’s mate, said Mrs Gray was the aggressor. She refused to draw beer and locked them in the house, saying she would detain them. Fined 5s. and 10s. costs.
The Stroud News reported on June 3rd 1898 of Whitsuntide Festivities at the Old Lodge: “Mr W.E. Broughton of the Old Lodge Minchinhampton Common, threw open his bowling green to the convenience of the general public on Whit-Monday free of charge. Mr Bristowe’s string band played for dancing at intervals and a large number of people took advantage of the generosity afforded them by the landlord. Outside the bowling green there were various attractions in the shape of coconut bowling, etc. A walk or ride over the Common to the Old Lodge, though the wind and rain was rather strong, was very exhilarating and healthful.”
The Old Lodge is adjacent to Minchinhampton Golf Club. In June 1902 the golf club “had two courses or links, the gentlemen’s being three miles and 18 holes, the ladies two miles and 9 holes. Its situation is unique, adjoining the famous very primitive Old Lodge Hotel. There are 450 members of the club – just half being ladies.”
In November 2005 the country inn had a change of image and was known simply as the Lodge.
The name reverted back to the Old Lodge on 26th April 2007 when it became part of the ‘Pheasant Pluckers’ food club pubs
Map Reference: SO 854008
This page will be updated with additional information.
Licensing Details:
Owner in 1891: Arthur Twisden Playne (free from brewery tie)
Rateable value in 1891: £9.10s.0d.
Type of licence in 1891: Alehouse
Owner in 1903: William Heyworth Playne (free from brewery tie)
Rateable value in 1903: £9.10s.0d.
Type of licence in 1903: Alehouse
Closing time in 1903: 10pm
Landlords at the Old Lodge include:
1856 J. Biggers
1874 Henry Tanner
1885 Sydney Skelton
1891 Richard Russell
1898,1906 William Edward Boughton
1919,1927 William George Jones
2001 Emma and John ?
2005 Toni Carchedi (The Lodge)
2006 John Smith (General Manager – The Lodge)
2007 Nick Beardsley and Christophe Coquoin
