Believed to have origins dating back to 1540 the White Hart is a large Cotswold stone twin gabled building, now a private residence called the Old White Hart.
Stroud Journal, Saturday 11th October 1879 – Refusing to quit: Charles Hudd and Henry Bingle were charged with refusing to quit the White Hart, Downend, on the 25th November. Hudd did not appear and Bingle pleaded not guilty. The landlord, John Walkley, who prosected the defendants, said they came into his house on the evening in question and remained for upwards of two hours, till some words passed between them, and during the altercation a table was upset, and a cup broken. He ordered them to leave the house at once, but they for a long time persistently refused to do so, but eventually he got them outside. When they were put out they quarrelled with some others, and their combatants gave them a good thrashing.
The Bench found the charge fully substantianted and sentenced Bingle to pay a fine of 10/- and 7/- costs, in default fourteen days; and Hudd was fined £2 and 9/- costs, with the alternative of one month’s imprisonment.
Stroud News and Gloucestershire Advertiser, Friday 3rd September 1880 – Nailsworth Police, Licensing: Mrs Walkley, widow of the late John Walkley, keeper of the White Hart, Downend, applied for the license to be issued in her name in place of her deceased husband. The Chairman said that the Bench had agreed to grant her application, but she must be very careful as to the manner in which the business is conducted, as they had once or twice received complaints as to its management.
Stroud News and Gloucestershire Advertiser, Friday 27th April 1906 – A Gipsy in Trouble: Prudence Stephens, a gipsy, was charged with being drunk and disorderly at the White Hart, Downend, on April 10th. She pleaded guilty. Mrs Bingle, the landlady, said that defendant came into her house at 7.45 p.m. and called for a quart of beer. She then commenced using bad language. Defendant: “Don’t take my life away from me, lady?” (Laughter). Accused became very excited and told the Bench they could do what they liked with her. Minnie Foley gave corroborative evidence. Defendant refused to remain in Court during this witness’s evidence and was taken down below. P.C. Gabb also gave evidence. Defendant was then brought up again and fined 7 shillings and 6 pence, or seven days. She was allowed until Saturday week to pay.
Gloucester Citizen, Friday 20th April 1951 – Nailsworth Crib League: The final match of the Nailsworth Cribbage League was played at the White Hart, Downend, Horsley, between the Star Inn, Forest Green (holders), and Britannia, Nailsworth. An evenly contested game was won by the Britannia 12-8. They will therefore hold the Stroud Brewery Challenge Cup, and the Star Inn as runners-up will hold the Weston Cider Cup.
Map Reference: ST 835983
Licensing Details:
Owner in 1891: George Playne, Forwood Brewery, Minchinhampton
Rateable value in 1891: £7.5s.0d.
Type of licence in 1891: Alehouse
Owner in 1903: Stroud Brewery
Rateable value in 1903: £7.5s.0d.
Type of licence in 1903: Alehouse
Closing time in 1903: 10pm
Landlords at the White Hart include:
1856 J. Sawyer
1863 (July) ‘The license of the White Hart at Downend was transferred from John Sawyer to David Window’
1873 William Law
1873 (April) ‘The license of the White Hart at Downend was transferred from William Law to John Walkley’
1879 John Walkley
1885,1887 John Jones
1891 Albert French
1902,1906 Henry Creed
1906 Mrs Bingle
1919 William Harvey
1927,1939 Hy. Charles Collins