The Royal Arms was on the corner of Bath Road and Burdett Road, near to the GWR Railway Station. There was an elaborate coat of arms above the window on the front corner of the building.
Gloucester Citizen, Wednesday 6th April 1927 – LOST: On Sunday, 27th March. Big, light brown Collie. Reward when returned by Mr Aldridge, Royal Arms, Stonehouse.
Gloucester Journal, Saturday 10th March 1928 – Mr Albert Aldridge, the licensee of the Royal Arms Inn, Stonehouse, died on Wednesday morning. The deceased, who was 59 years of age, had been ill for about a month, suffering from an affection of the heart, but had been confined to his bed for less than a week.
The late Mr Aldridge was a retired Naval man, having attained the rank of Chief Petty Officer, and for 15 years he held the licence of the Nelson Inn in Brimscombe. When the house was closed by the Licensng Authority, however, three years ago, he became licensee of the Royal Arms at Stonehouse, where, as at Brimscombe, he was held in respect and esteem by all with whom he came in contact. He leaves a widow, one son and a step-daughter, to whom sympathy will be extended in their bereavement.
Gloucester Citizen, Tuesday 27th May 1930 – Sailor’s tragic death after “lark”: A verdict of death by misadventure was recorded by the Divisional Coronrer (Mr J.R. Morton Ball), who, yesterday afternoon, sitting without a jury, held an inquiry at Stroud General Hospital into the circumstances attending the death of Lionel Long (35), who died at the institute on Sunday morning as a result of injuries received in a fall the previous evening.
Long, who was unmarried, and a merchant seaman, climbed a 22-foot long flag pole after leaving the Royal Arms Inn, Stonehouse, on Saturday evening, and after reaching the top of the pole snapped near the base, throwing him backwards on his head on to the highway.
On Saturday evening Lionel Long, his brother and about twelve others left the Royal Arms Inn at 10 o’clock. In the yard at the rear of the pub was a flag pole, and the remark was passed that being Empire Day the flag out to be hoisted. One remark led to another and one or two tried to climb the pole, but after reaching about half-way came down again.
The brother of the deceased told the court: “He [Lionel] got to the top of the pole, and several shouted at him to come down because the pole started to sway. Immediately afterwards the pole snapped near the base.” Witness added that his brother came down with the pole, a part of which struck the wall jerking his brother onto the highway. He was found to be bleeding from the ears and medical aid was summoned. The witness further stated that his brother was perfectly sober, but the pole was very frail.
Dr. Quinian, house surgeon at the hospital, said the cause of death was fracture of the base of the skull. The Coroner, in recording his verdict, found that no one was to blame for the mishap.
The Royal Arms was a classic locals pub with real character. ‘Real ale in Gloucestershire’ (CAMRA) described the Royal Arms as a “friendly local with plenty of banter”. The Whitbread P.A. served in the Royal Arms in the late 1970’s / early 1980’s was one of the best pints of P.A. in Gloucestershire.
In the early 1990’s the Royal Arms was purchased by Wycliffe College. The pub ceased trading soon afterwards. Before demolition the West Country Ales plaque on the front of the pub was removed with permission – it now graces the front of an old pub in Upton Bishop in Herefordshire (which had ‘lost’ its own plaque).
The Royal Arms was demolished in the summer of 1998. A small housing development now occupies the site.
Licensing Details:
Rateable Value in 1891: £17.15s.0d
Owner in 1891: Sidney Biddell (leased to Stroud Brewery)
Type of licence in 1891: Beerhouse
Rateable Value in 1903: £28.0s.0d.
Owner in 1903: Stroud Brewery
Type of licence in 1903: Beerhouse
Closing time in 1903: 11pm
Landlords at the Royal Arms include:
1885,1981 James Hillman
1903 Eliza Harriett Gibbins
1907 William E. Brothers (unsatisfactory conduct and twice cautioned by the police)
1913 G.P. Tocknell
1928 Gloucester Citizen, Thursday 28th March -DEATH: On 7th March, at the Royal Arms, Stonehouse, Albert, the beloved husband of Lilliam Aldridge, aged 59 years. (see above)
1939 Mrs Lilian Aldridge
1958 Mr A.E. Leach (he was a well-known Stroud district football referee)
1987 Peter and Chris