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. Fortunately the plaque still survives some 40 years later.
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.
Cheltenham Mercury, Saturday 3rd April 1875 – To be let: A free public house near the New Cattle Market. Apply at the Whitesmiths Arms, Gloucester Road, Cheltenham.
Gloucestershire Echo, Thursday 12th September 1912 – Conservatives at dinner: The Executive Committee of the North Ward Conservative Association were entertained to dinner at the Whitesmiths Arms, Gloucester Road, on Wednesday evening. After a well-served dinner had been partaken of, an interesting programme of songs and music was gone through.
Cheltenham Chronicle, Saturday 28th October 1922 – Ladder Accident: A builder’s labourer of Worcester, named Alfred Tyler, is at Cheltenham General Hospital suffering from contusion of the ribs, caused in a fall at the Whitesmiths Arms, where the Worcester building firm of Spicer is engaged in repairs and alterations. The occurred shortly after Mid-day on Tuesday. Tyler was carrying a bucket up a ladder, when he slipped, falling a distance of about 14 feet.
Gloucestershire Echo, Thursday 28th November 1946 – Licensee sold beer to friends: A Cheltenham licensee who sold beer to friends after closing time was fined £5 by Cheltenham Magistrates today. William John Jones, of the Whitesmiths Arms, Gloucester Road, Cheltenham, pleaded guilty to selling intoxicating liquor during non-permitted hours, and was fined as stated.
The Junction has permanently closed. It has been converted to residential use. However, the Junction Inn pub sign is still hanging.
Above image: Chris Amies
Landlords at the Whitesmith Arms include:
1866 ‘John Cleeveley, landlord of the Whitesmiths Arms. was summoned for selling ale after legal hours’ (Cheltenham Chronicle Tuesday 13th Nov)
1870 James Saunders
1883 Edward Thomas
1883,1891 Stephen James [26.07.1883 – licence of the Whitesmiths Arms, Gloucester Road, was transferred from Edward Thomas to Stephen James]
1903 Frederick George Sweating
1939 Clifford C. Davies
1946 William John Jones
1988 Steve and Jeanette (September 22nd re-opening)
Robin Carter (Junction)