The ‘Stroud News’ reported on June 22nd 1896 of a troublesome customer at the Orange Tree Inn:
‘Charles Orchard, of Summer Street, was summoned for refusing to quit licensed premises on 26th May, – he pleaded guilty. Albert Whiley, landlord of the Orange Tree Inn, said defendant came into his house drunk, and refused to quit. He had a large dog with him, which prevented witness from ejecting him. After being there about ten minutes, he lay down, and refused to leave. Soon after he came to witness, and said: “My dog does not want to fight.” Witness said, “Probably not, but you must leave the house at once.” Witness refused. Another man ejected him. Defendant was then further charged with ill treating a certain dog, the property of Albert Whiley, by setting another dog to fight it. – He pleaded not guilty. Complainant said that after the defendant had been put out of his house as stated in his previous evidence, he saw witness’ dog lying under the window. He remarked that the dogs should fight, and said “Go for him, Lion!” The dogs fought, and complainant’s dog was badly injured. He had to send it to the veterinary. The case had been bought forward to the Gloucester Society for the Prevention of cruelty to Animals. Defendant was fined five shillings.’
The Orange Tree was recommended for closure in May 1926 but the license was retained. It was numbered 77 Hill Street in the 1939 Kelly’s directory. The Orange Tree was demolished following its closure in 1958 for road and car park improvements. The site of the Orange Tree Inn is in the vicinity of the South Gloucestershire Magistrates Court.
Licensing Details:
Owner in 1891: Stroud Brewery
Rateable value in 1891: £12.10s.0d.
Type of licence in 1891: Beerhouse
Owner in 1903: Stroud Brewery
Rateable value in 1903: £15.0s.0d.
Type of licence in 1903: Beerhouse
Closing time in 1903: 11pm
Landlords at the Orange Tree Inn include:
1891,1903 Albert Whiley
1939 William George Bartlett
