“The White Swan was down the steepish road that leads to the foot of the old reservoir embankment. When the reservoir was constructed the licence was transferred to the new pub on the new road (Reservoir Inn).” That information was sent to me by letter by Mrs and Miss Paget of Crab End, Brevel Terrace in Charlton Kings in October 1996.
I have also notes in my archive collection that states that the original London Road ran through the valley and was later flooded by the reservoir. Although this is likely I have found no documents to prove it. I also have information from an unknown source that claims that the White Swan pub sign was preserved and was displayed for a number of years at the Reservoir Inn.
The 1891 record simply refers to the pub as the Dowdeswell Mill.
Gloucestershire Echo, Wednesday 15th April 1908 – Alleged Indecent Assault: William Slye, fish and fruit hawker, of 3 School Road, Charlton Kings, was in the dock under arrest upon a warrant charging him with unlawfully and indecently assaulting Laura Sarah Walters, wife of the licensee of the White Swan Inn, Charlton Kings. P.S. Day, of Charlton Kings, gave evidence as to arrest, which took place at 4.30pm, at the White Swan Inn in the presence of the prosecutrix and her husband. Prisoner made no reply to the warrant.
Licensing Details:
Owner in 1891: Mary Ashmead (free from brewery tie)
Rateable value in 1891:
Type of licence in 1891: Beerhouse
Owner in 1903: John Delabere (free from brewery tie)
Rateable value in 1903: £17.0s.0d.
Type of licence in 1903: Beerhouse
Closing time in 1903: 11pm
Landlords:
1891,1903 John Wilson.