William Green is recorded as the owner of the Whitesmith Arms in 1891 and 1903. It seems that he ran the pub as a free house in late Victorian times, but the lease of the property had been taken by Showell & Co. in 1903. The Whitesmith Arms was a licensed beer house, having an annual rateable value of £17.0s.0d. remaining at the same level throughout the times of the licensing returns.
In the 1960’s – 1970’s the Whitesmiths Arms was an Ind Coope pub and was converted in the early 1980’s to a Hall’s Oxford and West Brewery pub. This was little more than marketing strategy as the beers were still brewed in Burton on Trent. During this refurbishment an attractive Halls plaque was inlaid into the pub.
When Robin Carter became the landlord he saw the potential of custom from students at the nearby University of Gloucestershire. The name was changed to the Junction as this was simply the name of the student magazine at the time. He built up a considerable trade, and attractions included free juke box nights, free pool nights and a regular quiz.
For many the name ‘The Junction at Gloucester Road’ caused confusion and stirred debate. Where was this mysterious junction in Gloucester Road? Did it refer to the old horse tramroad that terminated at the nearby Hop Pole Inn, was it anything to do with the railway sidings across the road at the Gas Works? Was it a reference to the road junction of Gloucester Road and Tewkesbury Road? No, simply the name of the student magazine! Robin and his customers must have found this quite amusing.
The Junction has permanently closed. It has been converted to residential use. However, the Junction Inn pub sign is still hanging.
Landlords at the Whitesmith Arms include:
1870 James Saunders
1883 E. Thomas
1891 Stephen James
1903 Frederick George Sweeting
1939 Clifford C. Davies
Robin Carter (Junction)
