The Prince of Wales was listed on the CAMRA National Inventory of unspoilt heritage pubs. The following was taken from the CAMRA website before the Prince of Wales closed.
Built as Snigs End School in 1860 and later a pub. It had a complete refitting by Stroud Brewery in 1953 and apart from the addition of inside toilets in 1970 it is barely altered since. Licensee Bernard Newman came to the pub when his grandfather died in 1944 and has been in charge since his father passed away in 1976. He must be in his late 60s and bought the pub from the brewery in 1993. As you enter there is a splendid intact off sales in a part leaded glass partition with two small windows. The Public Bar to the left is quite large with lino floor, the 1953 bar back including glass block wall behind and the original counter with a heating pipe around it, but there is new panelling attached to the counter front and it has a new top. The fixed seating is from 1953 with baffles at both ends and the stone fireplace could well be from 1953. To the right of the off sales is a small Lounge with classic 1950s tiled fireplace, 1953 bar back, 1953 bar counter with formica top and small red formica top tables. To the far right is a rather untidy largish function room which is only used for meetings but Mr Newman is happy to open it for anyone to have a look. It also has a 1953 bar back including glass blocks, 1953 counter, 1953 bench seating and has a vestibule entrance (disused?) to the side of the building.
Landlord Bernard Newman contacted me via email: “I remember when we first came here there were still Tilly lamps hanging on the wall from before electricity was introduced. Water was brought up from the well and there were no indoor toilets.”
This page will be updated with additional information.
Map Reference: SO 791290
Licensing Details:
Owner in 1891: Henry Shopland (free from brewery tie)
Rateable value in 1891: £9.0s.0d.
Type of licence in 1891: Beerhouse
Owner in 1903: Anna M. Johnson (free from brewery tie)
Rateable value in 1903: £9.0s.0d.
Type of licence in 1903: Beerhouse
Closing time in 1903: 10pm
Landlords at the Prince of Wales include:
1891 Henry Shopland
1903 John C. Johnson
1939,1944 George James Newman
1976,2009 Bernard Newman
