Some history of the Black Horse Hotel at Heswall in the county of Cheshire

Cheshire | Heswall | Black Horse Hotel

Nestled at the foot of School Hill in Lower Heswall, the Black Horse Hotel stands on the junction where Thurstaston Road meets Village Road. The former was known as Bungalow Hill. Talking of name changes - the Black Horse traded for many years as the Heswall Hotel before reverting back to the old inn sign. The What Pub? website states that it was "rebuilt on site of the former Black Horse about 1900 and renamed the Heswall Hotel. Owned by Bent's Brewery from 1902 and by Bass from 1967." ¹ Good old CAMRA, their website is full or errors so everything has to be fact-checked. The imposing structure was actually erected a decade earlier, the opening ceremony for the new hotel taking place on Thursday June 26th, 1890.² The Heswall Hotel name appeared after the hostelry started trading in that year. Moreover, Bent's Brewery Co. Ltd. made a sale agreement between the owner, Thomas Montgomery, on December 16th, 1901, though the sale was not finalised until 1902 after being announced at their annual general meeting. So low marks to CAMRA for publishing incorrect information. More work needed and perhaps detention.

© Crown Copyright. Reproduced with kind permission of the National Library of Scotland under the Creative Commons Attribution licence.

The premises was labelled the Heswall Hotel when this map was published in 1909. The building was a short distance from the Church of Saint Peter, the building and graveyard being shown to the left on the above map extract. The building to the west of the Black Horse was, and remains, Church Farmhouse. The property immediately on the opposite side of Bungalow Hill was a thatched stone building known as Cedar Cottage. I believe this building, that once served as an early school in the village, was demolished in the 1950s.

Extract from Page 1 of the Chester Chronicle published on Friday July 28th, 1820.

Writing in the Wirral Globe in February 2024, senior reporter, Rebecca McGrath, stated that "the Black Horse Hotel has been situated on School Hill in Lower Heswall since 1836." ³ As can be seen from the above notice in the Chester Chronicle, an auction for the Black Horse was held in the Mostyn Arms Hotel at nearby Parkgate on August 4th, 1820. The sale notice stated that the hostelry was "well-known," suggesting that trading had been conducted for a number of years prior to the sale. In 2024, the premises was operated by Star Pubs, pub retail arm of the Heineken group. It is no use me writing to them asking for a date on the deeds as I have tried this for other pubs in their estate only to be rebuffed. I am out of my comfort zone in Wirral so access to local records is problematic. So, I am not exactly sure when the original tavern opened for trading. There were 18th century dwellings nearby so I would not be surprised to learn that the earlier Black Horse was of some antiquity.

Extract from Page 1 of the Chester Courant published on Tuesday August 10th, 1841.

The Black Horse went under the hammer again in August 1841. By this time George and Harriet Barlow were running the place. They were recorded in the census of 1841 which was collected in June of that year.⁴ The couple would remain at the pub for a few decades. It would seem therefore that they were tenants but remained as landlord and landlady when under new ownership.

© Photo taken by author on September 15th, 2024. DO NOT COPY

George Barlow was born in the village at the turn of the 19th century. As the auction notice shows, the premises included a shippon, or cow shed. George Barlow was indeed recorded as a farmer and publican in later years. Peremptorily, by order of the mortgagees, the premises were sold again in April 1843 when the it was stated that, like in 1820, the Black Horse came with 21 perches of land. The garden was said to be productive - which, in other words, meant that George and Harriet were industrious in their management of the soil.

The son of Joseph Barlow and Margaret Hall, George Barlow was one of thirteen children. When he married Harriet Reed, at Liverpool in August 1832, he was recorded as a publican.⁵ When he died in September 1865, Harriet remained at the Black Horse for it was kept by their son, Joseph. As can be seen on the headstone of the Barlow couple, the only son to be buried in the same plot at Saint Peter's churchyard was George Barlow. Like his elder brother, Joseph, he spent some time at sea. Born in the Black Horse Hotel, he was one of Heswall's oldest residents when he died suddenly whilst working in the back garden belonging to his sister, Mary Totty.⁶

The Black Horse was designated an inn when listed in Morris & Co's Directory & Gazetteer of Cheshire published in 1874. However, the census conducted three years earlier does not show boarders or visitors, apart from members of the Barlow clan. They employed young Sarah Banks as a domestic servant.⁷ This dispels any assertion by Star Pubs when, within their sales literature, the company claimed that the building was "a traditional coach house." The current structure was, however, built for the growing tourist trade of the late Victorian period.

The Barlow name over the door was eventually replaced in 1879 when the licence of the Black Horse Inn was transferred to Henry Cross in January of that year.⁸ Moving his family to Toxteth Park, Joseph Barlow resumed his career on the ocean wave.⁹

Born at Seaforth around 1823, Henry Cross was a builder, joiner and publican.¹⁰ He married Mary Swift at the Church of Saint Nicholas in Liverpool in July 1845. One of the things they had in common was that both were children of men working as butchers.¹¹ By the early 1870s the couple had settled in Heswall so it would seem that the joiner was a patron of the Black Horse before becoming publican. He held the licence until his death in February 1886. The licence of the Black Horse was subsequently transferred to widow, Mary Cross. She handed over the role of licensee to her son, Henry, who was granted the licence in January 1888.¹²

© Image courtesy of Dave Wakeham via Tony Rathbone, administrator of the Old Heswall Facebook Group.

Wow! A real early photograph of the former Black Horse Inn. This is pretty ground-breaking stuff for a public-house to be photographed before the picture postcard craze of the early 20th century. In terms of commercial success, the medium, possibly a glass plate, was only just getting off the ground when this image was captured. It is conjecture on my part but I think this photograph was taken between January 1888 and July 1889. That is quite a narrow window but looking at the people stood outside, I tentatively suggest that the elderly lady stood to the left of the entrance [as we look at it] is the widow, Mary Cross. She would have been in her mid-60s at this time. Her son, Henry, was licensee at this period and his name can be seen above the door. That could be his wife Ann stood to the right of the doorway. There are two young boys to the left of the building. Were they some of the children of Henry and Ann Cross? They had three young boys during this period. The other people could possibly be members of the Swift family and related to Ann. Her maiden name was Swift and was born in the village. But like I say, this is conjecture on my part. I wouldn't have thought the image was captured when Henry Cross Snr. was the licensee but it is possible. That would alter the window to 1879-1886.

The Black Horse Inn was the scene of many a coroner's inquiry, one of the most notable being that on the body of William Baskerville Glegg, son of Captain Glegg, of Gayton Hall. In March 1882 when walking home from an evening at New Hall, Leighton, the home of Uvedale Corbett, he apparently walked into a pit of water and was drowned. This was adduced at the inquiry when it was disclosed that the gentleman, when pulled out of the pit with a rake, was still grasping a walking-stick in one hand, and a pipe in the other.¹³

Returning to the photograph of the Black Horse Inn when Henry Cross was licensee, the reason that I have indicated the latest date for the image at July 1889 is because this was a very significant month in the history of the hostelry. It was on Friday, July 26th, of that year that the licence of the Black Horse Inn was transferred to Thomas Montgomery, the man responsible for the reconstruction of the premises.¹⁴ A resident of Pharaoh Street in Liverpool, he was not going to be involved with the day-to-day running of the establishment. No, he was adding it to his growing empire of tied-houses. This was an entrepreneur who seemingly propelled himself to an important figure in the brewing industry in double-quick time. Make that treble-quick time.

Thomas Montgomery was from an Irish family that had migrated to Liverpool. Born around 1855 he was the son of Charles Montgomery and Mary Mullin. His father was a house painter and Thomas himself became a painter and decorator. His entry into the licensed trade followed his relationship with Mary Mulloy. She was the daughter of Roger Mulloy, brewer, publican and owner of a number of public-houses in the Liverpool area.¹⁵ Thomas Montgomery married Mary Mulloy at St. Paul's Church at Southport in September 1878.¹⁶ Probably through the help of his father-in-law, Thomas was soon running The Woodman on Tithebarn Street.¹⁷

Within a decade Thomas Montgomery had built up a brewing enterprise and operated a number of public-houses. He was seemingly a man of boundless enthusiasm and became universally popular. Not that everything he touched turned to gold - his affairs were something of a rollercoaster ride. This was summarised succinctly in an obituary following his early death in June 1911 : "Thomas Montgomery, was one of the best-known and best-liked in the city of Liverpool. In brewing circles for many years he held a unique position. Having built up a large concern on his own account he subsequently sold it to Bent's Brewery Company. He also built up the business of the Chester Lion Brewery to large dimensions. His energies found scope in other enterprises. He acquired the hotel and adjacent gardens at Eastham, "the Richmond of the Mersey," and ran the steam ferry service in connection therewith, though, unfortunately, prosperity did not shine on the enterprise. In coal mining also he had a share, sinking an experimental shaft in the neighbourhood of Bidston. This also did not yield the results expected. Mr. Montgomery, however, suffered his reverses with a buoyant spirit, and was cheery in spite of them, and this and his good nature and responsiveness endeared him to a very wide circle." ¹⁸

In business with his brothers, and with their pub and brewing enterprise on an upward trajectory, the firm headed by Thomas Montgomery took over the Black Horse Inn and set about building a hotel for tourists, excursionists and day-trippers. I am not certain if it was a complete rebuild or whether part of the old fabric was retained. I say this because within a Conservation Area Appraisal for Lower Heswall it stated that "the building has a stone built centre section and dates from 1843." If this is actually the case then the old Black Horse Inn may have been improved during its lifetime - as already outlined, the pub was trading by 1820. The Conservation Area Appraisal went on to say : "It is of four storeys in height, the lower two storeys [on the south and west] being of white painted render with black quoins, the upper two a jettied mock timber frame - the whole making a rather attractive combination. At high level the gables and tall chimneys make for a well-broken and interesting skyline." ¹⁹

© Image from author's photographic archive. DO NOT COPY

Here one can see the building in a photograph probably taken during in the Edwardian period for the picture postcard market. A sign for Bent's Stone Ales can be seen at the base of the building though maturing shrubs had covered much of the lettering. Another sign advertised a "Wholesale Out Door Department" through which customers could buy cases of beer for home consumption. Perhaps that is the manager of the hotel stood in the doorway porch donning a long apron?

© Image from author's photographic archive. DO NOT COPY

Across the road, in the picture postcard view, a man was undertaking some work on or near what was a well serving this part of Heswall. I have zoomed in on this corner of the image, though the worker is looking away so it is doubtful whether a local resident will be able to recognise an ancestor! This could have been when a drinking fountain was placed within a brick structure on the site of the well. This delightful feature stands no more as, once again, the motor-car was given priority and the road widened.

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Before talking about the opening of the new hotel, there is a chapter of Messrs. Montgomery that should be mentioned as it occurred prior to the completion of the building, probably during the construction period. Indeed, I was wondering why a photograph of the old Black Horse Inn was taken. At that period it would be quite expensive for the Cross family to commission such a bespoke photograph. Perhaps it was taken to record the old place before construction of the new building?

In November 1888 Thomas Montgomery had to appear in the Chancery Division of the High Court when John Joule & Sons Ltd. took action against Messrs. Montgomery to defend their distinctive Red Cross trademark. The case was first heard on November 9th, 1888 but went to appeal in February 1889. The background to the legal case was that Messrs. Montgomery were constructing a new brewery in Stone, the traditional stronghold of John Joule & Sons Ltd. They named the new enterprise the Stone Brewery and rather blatantly adopted a trademark very similar to that of the plaintiffs. In addition to calling the beers "Stone Ale" their new trademark used the initials of Thomas Montgomery with the T being a large red symbol, conveying a rather confusing message to the consumer.²⁰

It may seem that I am going a little off topic but this case was a central feature of the opening ceremony for the new hotel at Heswall. I am still wondering where the financing of hotels and a new brewery came from. The former painter and decorator had started to move in important circles within Liverpool so I can only presume he managed to befriend financial backers? Anyway, Thomas Montgomery decided to appeal against the decision of Justice Chitty to restrain him from using the words "Stone Ale" in connection with ale brewed by his firm. John Joule & Sons Ltd. had registered their trade marks in 1880 and told the Lord Justices that they added the words "Stone Ale" in July 1888, claiming they had used those words for 27 years prior to August, 1875. The Lord Justices were told that "Thomas Montgomery, a licensed victualler in Liverpool, having determined to start the business of a brewer, purchased for the purpose a site in the town of Stone and that his builder or architect put up board announcing that the building to be erected was to be called Montgomery's Stone Brewery and produced cards using the "Stone Ale" words on trade cards." The Lord Justices upheld the decision regarding the use of "Stone Ale" but considered the use of "Stone Brewery" or "Montgomery's Stone Brewery" to be just about sustainable. However, the Court expressed the opinion that the actions of Thomas Montgomery was to represent his ale as brewed by the plaintiffs, John Joule & Sons Ltd. The costs of the appeal were given against Thomas Montgomery.²¹

The grand opening of the Heswall Hotel took place on Thursday June 26th, 1890. The building was reportedly designed and erected by W. Redman of Peach Road in Liverpool, though this may have been a typo. The sanitary arrangements were been carried out by Messrs. Perrin, Hughes and Co., of Liverpool. The general furnishings were supplied by Messrs. Carmichael, and the oak furniture by Mr. J. B. Nuttall, both of Liverpool. The Birkenhead News described the hotel as comprising "on the ground floor a spacious entrance hall, encaustic tiled, refreshment bar, lavatories, and also a very fine reception room, elaborately furnished in antique oak, with statuary and bronze. The floor comprises two suites of private sitting rooms, elegantly furnished, a large dining room capable of dining 150 people, large kitchen, scullery, and domestic offices. The upper floor comprises 15 bed and sitting rooms, bathroom, and every convenience for visitors to the country. The rooms throughout have been furnished and decorated with great taste, care and attention having been bestowed on every detail. At the rear of the hotel is a garden naturally laid out with flower beds, gravel walks, and rustic seats. There is in addition stabling accommodation for a large number of horses and vehicles for the convenience of parties driving from Birkenhead, Chester, and neighbourhood. The external appearance of the hotel is picturesque, being constructed in half-timbered gabled style, a familiar fashion in all Cheshire villages, and it forms altogether a pleasing feature in Heswall village." ²²

Thomas Montgomery pulled out the stops for the opening ceremony, the guest list comprising a who's who of the brewing and licensed trade in the region, in addition to a host of civic dignitaries. Among those present were Councillor Enoch Evans, chairman of the Birkenhead and Wirral Licensed Victuallers' Association, along with all the officers of that body. Councillors Shaw and Armstrong were also present. The brewers were represented by R. C. Davies [Worthington and Co.], G. Lezbourne [Allsopp and Co.], J. D. Thomson and J. H. Boffey [Yates and Co.], J. Neill and W. J. Stewart [Sykes and Co.], J. Mills [United Brewery Co.], and W. R. Miller and W. J. Miller [Montgomery and Co., Stoke]. These people, along with many more, were treated to an excellent dinner by the host, the menu being of a very extensive and choice nature.²²

Following the lavish dinner, there were toasts and speeches. Councillor Armstrong proposed "Prosperity to Heswall Hotel, and health to its host and hostess." With strong references to the court case with Joule's, the councillor went on to say that "he had watched their host's career from boyhood, and it was one he could be justly proud of, because it was by his own energy, perseverance, and thorough determination that he had got on in a prosperous manner. The opposition he had had to contend with would have broken many men's spirit, and the opposition that had attended on his career, by jealousies of trade, was more than legitimate trade warfare. For his part he could never understand why men should feel jealous of another getting no better than themselves so long as he showed sufficient energy to succeed in the world. Mr. Montgomery had a perfect right to place his business in any part of the district he thought fit, and why there should be so much contention over a paltry trade mark he could not imagine. Their worthy host had fought his battle well, and they only hoped that he would be successful in his appeal to the House of Lords, more especially as he had the respect and admiration of the whole country." Clearly, therefore, the legal wrangling was set to continue. In conclusion, Councillor Armstrong pointed out that "the Birkenhead and Wirral Licensed Victuallers' Association would have in their host a thoroughly good licensed victualler." In responding, Councillor Enoch Evans, welcomed Thomas Montgomery to "this side of the water." He added that "it was gentlemen of his stamina that they wanted in the Association."²²

Thomas Montgomery fully committed to Wirral and moved his family to a house on Seaview Road at Wallasey. He would later take up residence in Rock Ferry.

© Image from author's photographic archive. DO NOT COPY

The opening of the railway line in a joint endeavour of the London and North-Western and Great Western Joint Railway Companies possibly proved to be the impetus to build such a hotel at Lower Heswall. The station, which stood less than 500 metres from the hotel, was opened in April 1886 when it was stated that it would "offer great facilities to excursionists visiting the Heswall and Thurstaston hills .... from which magnificent views are obtained of the estuary of the Dee and of the Welsh mountains." ²³ Although, the above picture postcard dates from the period when Bent's Brewery Co. Ltd. were the operators, it probably conveys the original concept by Thomas Montgomery. This was not simply a tavern, it was to offer catering and refreshment facilities to all visitors and tourists. To maximise revenue and return on investment, no segment of this emerging market could be overlooked.

The first manager appointed to run the newly-opened Heswall Hotel in June 1890 was Robert Hart. He had previously managed the West Kirby Hotel.²² However, by the time of the census conducted in the following year, Henry Orme was recorded as the licensed victualler in charge of the place. He did not, however, hold the licence - this was retained by the proprietor Thomas Montgomery. This makes it difficult to ascertain how long Henry Orme held the role of manager. Born in 1859 across the River Mersey, he grew up in Toxteth Park where his father traded as a baker and flour dealer. By the time he was appointed manager of the Heswall Hotel his father had passed away but his mother, Mary, moved into the accommodation. Also living on the premises were two barmen and two domestic servants.²⁴

The name of the Black Horse did not suddenly disappear and the building would sometimes be referred to by its original name. However, the building was listed as the Heswall Hotel in the census, trade directories and newspaper articles. It is logical therefore to suggest the name changed when the edifice was erected. New building, new name. Of course, the old sign came back into use, but for the last ten years of the 19th century and during the early 20th century the hostelry was known as the Heswall Hotel.

Thomas Montgomery was seemingly a generous employer. On Wednesday September 14th, 1892, the hotelier held a picnic at Heswall for his employees. It was reported in the local press that "Thomas Montgomery was president of a bowling club which met at the Sefton Arms, Aintree, and by virtue of this office he designed to afford the members a treat. He therefore arranged a day out for them at Heswall, and also a match with the Swan Bowling Club, Holm Lane, Oxton, and also took this club with his party, which was thus increased till it reached nearly 200 persons. The employees and bowlers from Aintree met at the Woodside Ferry, where five or six large waggonettes were provided for their accommodation. Passing through the town, a momentary halt was made at the Halfway House, in Woodchurch Road, a property which Thomas Montgomery had recently rebuilt and vastly improved. The next stop was at the Swan in Holm Lane, which also belonged to Thomas Montgomery, and to which a bowling green had recently been laid out. The match played between the two clubs provoked keen interest. Aintree players won the victory, and were warmly complimented on their success. The drive to Heswall was then resumed. After being photographed the party dined at the Heswall Hotel. As no room was large enough to contain them all, the "bowlers" dined in the billiard room, from which the table had been removed, whilst the employees played the knife and fork in the large dining room which comfortably seated 84 persons. The dinner was a perfect success, the menu being most varied, everything was served in splendid condition, and bumpers of champagne were freely quaffed in honour of the host." ²⁵

Not content with operating one hotel in Lower Heswall, Thomas Montgomery would construct the Hotel Victoria in the village. That hostelry commenced business in 1896. The hotelier would achieve this by a rather circuitous route. Firstly, in January 1891 Thomas Montgomery bought the White Lion Inn in the village at auction for the sum of £4,700, the sum reflecting that the premises was bundled with 20 acres of land.²⁶ In August of the following year, Henry Orme, former manager of the Heswall Hotel but now licensed victualler of the Railway Inn, applied for a provisional licence for a new hotel planned for construction, on the provision that the licences of the White Lion Inn and Ship Inn [also acquired by Thomas Montgomery] would be surrendered.²⁷ No doubt, the hotelier and brewery owner was pulling all the strings. Trying to keep up the business dealings of Thomas Montgomery is a tough gig. Prior to the completion and opening of the Hotel Victoria in 1896, he had acquired the Lion Brewery of Chester. This business was incorporated as the Chester Lion Brewery Co. Ltd. in 1896. This restructuring involved the purchase of the hotels, fully-licensed houses, beer houses, and other property, all belonging to Thomas Montgomery. He was to receive £130,000, payable in fully paid ordinary shares valued at £55,000 and the balance in cash.²⁸

An interesting piece of the complex jigsaw is that the prospectus showed Thomas Montgomery as a director of Bent's Brewery Co. Ltd.²⁹ He was a man with a finger in many pies! He controlled two estates of public-houses, one under the Montgomery & Co. banner and another via Chester Lion Brewery Co. Ltd. The Hotel Victoria in Heswall was certainly part of the latter and I suspect that the Heswall Hotel also formed part of this estate. I say this because the list of houses drawn up on December 16th, 1901, in a sale to Bent's Brewery Co. Ltd, does not include the Heswall Hotel. The purchase price was reported to be in excess of a quarter of a million pounds.³⁰ It was ten years earlier, in 1891, that Montgomery & Co. was taken over by Bent's. That was when Thomas Montgomery joined the board at Bent's Brewery Co. Ltd. Following the sale of the Chester Lion Brewery Co. Ltd., Thomas Montgomery relinquished his directorate.

Extract from Page 300 of Kelly's Trade Directory of Cheshire published in 1896.

I am not sure why Thomas Montgomery retained the licence of this particular establishment and not one of his managers. He was still listed as the licensee of the Heswall Hotel in 1896. Note that Henry Orme, his former manager at the Heswall Hotel, was still listed as licensee of the Railway Hotel. However, two years earlier, when he married Emma Draper in April 1894, his given address was 9 Prenton Road East which was the location of the Sportsmans' Arms at Tranmere.³¹ He would later live at the Cunard Hotel, a Liverpool pub on the corner of Stanley Road and Boundary Street, kept by his younger brother, Louis. Henry Orme bestowed this name on his son who, in March 1938, was imprisoned for taking a car without the owner's consent, subsquently killing a cyclist with the vehicle. The poor victim was the cinema operator, Thomas Alexander Hughes.³²

The couple managing the Heswall Hotel during the early Edwardian period for Bent's Brewery Co. Ltd was Thomas and Emily Leeman. She hailed from Chirk in Denbighshire but her husband was born in Beeston in Nottinghamshire. In 1901 the couple had three young children living in the accommodation.³³ Four employees of the company were also accommodated in the building. The son of a draper, Thomas Leeman himself worked as a shop assistant in this field after he moved to Liverpool. He was part of an army of people working at the large premises of Cook and Townshend, drapers and silk mercers on Byrom Street. One of his early jobs in the licensed trade was as barman at the Abbotsford Hotel at Seacombe.³⁴ In June 1894 he was granted the licence of the Horse and Jockey at Upton. In the following year he married Emily Caroline Harrald. He got into a bit of a financial pickle by the Spring of 1899 so the couple went from being tenants to employees when taking over at the Heswall Hotel.

One of the events to be hosted by Thomas and Emily Leeman was in May 1901 when they laid on a spread for an assemblage of around 100 residents who gave a tangible testimonial to the volunteers and reservists who had recently arrived home from the Boer war. It was reported that Mr. and Mrs. Leeman served up an excellent repast. Mr. A. E. Ellis, of the Castle Stores, was the chairman during the evening in which addresses were given separately to each of the 14 volunteers and reservists. Presentations were made amid enthusiastic applause before an evening of variety entertainment within a musical programme.³⁵

The census enumerator of 1901, along with a newspaper article, listed Thomas and Emily Leeman at the Black Horse Hotel rather than the Heswall Hotel, though the latter was used in trade directories - all rather confusing. They remained until 1910 when they moved to the White Horse Hotel at Overton-on-Dee.³⁶ This was closer to Emily's birthplace but she died in 1914. Thomas Leeman moved back to Wirral. In 1915 he was running the Stanley Arms at Seacombe but, by the time of his death in October 1917 he was at the Neston Hotel, a pub being kept by his son Robert.

Extract from Page 8 of the Birkenhead News published on Saturday May 11th, 1912.

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Succeeding Thomas Leeman, the licence of the Heswall Hotel was transferred to Alexander Saunders. In the early 1890s the Plymouth-born publican kept a place suited to his name - the Alexander Hotel at Tranmere. Following the death of his first wife, he re-married Louisa Porter and the couple ran the Pier Head Hotel, a pub with lovely tiles at Birkenhead. The Birkenhead News reported that he signed a 7-year lease as tenant of the Black Horse Hotel [note they did not print Heswall Hotel].³⁷ However, the 1911 census still recorded him at the Pier Hotel.³⁸ Within a few months he passed away. As can be seen from the above advertisement, widow Louisa Saunders, was recorded as the proprietor/tenant. She may have appointed managers as the 1911 census survey showed that Alfred and Sarah Gastrell, along with their daughter, Nina, were running the Heswall Hotel. Long-serving barman, William Hayes, was still in residence at the hotel.³⁹ Although they both hailed from Yorkshire, the Gastrell's had run a number of pubs around Liverpool and were highly experienced.

© Image from author's photographic archive. DO NOT COPY

Thought to date from 1934, one can see the hostelry above in a picture postcard view of Lower Heswall. The sign on the far wall states in large letters BLACK HORSE HOTEL, so the name had officially changed back to the old sign by this period. The sign also advertised "Luncheons, Dinners and Teas."

© Image from author's photographic archive. DO NOT COPY

© Image from author's photographic archive. DO NOT COPY

In a close-up of the early 1930s image, one can see that a dedicated entrance to an outdoor or off-sales department had been placed in the front corner of the building. A large display of bottled beers and wines were on display inside the window. Note the Bent's sign higher up the frontage with a Royal Automobile Club sign below. Perhaps the vehicle is making a delivery to the Black Horse Hotel. With the registration plate of KD 756, the vehicle is a 1-ton Morris Commercial. This vehicle was produced between 1924-32, this being probably a late 1920s design.

"William Griffiths and Thomas Smith, the two labourers charged with assaulting and robbing a young Irishman named Hugh Joseph Creegan, on the night of Sunday, the 15th inst., in the barn of Mr. Urmston, farmer, of Heswall, were brought up on remand on Saturday, before Mr. Christopher Bushell and Mr. Logan. The evidence showed that the prisoners had been drinking at the Black Horse, Heswall, on that night, and went out shortly before ten, within a few minutes of each other. Prosecutor, who had been engaged as a harvestman, was sleeping in Mr. Urmston's barn, and was roused by the prisoners, who first demanded to be allowed to sleep there, and then asked him for his money and his watch. Prisoners struck a number of matches, by the light of which he saw their faces. Smith struck Creegan several violent blows about the head and body with a big stake, saying he was working for 2s. a day when there was 3s. and 3s. 6d. going. Griffiths held Creegan while Smith rifled his trousers of 2s. 7d. Creegan, being frightened, made his escape, but not before being aware that the prisoners were trying to find his watch, Smith saying, "Hush, I hear it ticking." Prisoners ran off down the lane, and the next day walked to Hartford, where they were captured. An attempt to prove an alibi failed, and the prisoners were committed for trial at the nest assizes."
"Charge Of Robbing And Beating A Man At Heswall"
Birkenhead News : August 28th 1880 Page 6

"The rent audit of Mr. Devonport [who is landlord of a considerable portion of Heswall] was held last week at the Black Horse Inn, Heswall, when a number of the tenants sat down to an excellent dinner provided by the proprietor, Mr. Cross. "The Health of the Queen and Royal Family," proposed by Mr. Henry Totty, was received with cheers. In proposing "The Health of Mr. Devonport" Mr. Totty remarked that he hoped that he would continue to be their landlord for many years; he was sorry to say that he had not yet reduced the rents, but hoped he would do so before long. The proceedings were considerably enlivened by the good old song, "John Barleycorn," sung in a hearty manner by Mr. R. Williams."
"Rent Day"
Cheshire Observer : January 7th 1882 Page 8

"On Saturday last these beagles met at the Black Horse Inn, Heswall. About 40 gentlemen attended. After tasting the good cheer of the proprietor a move was made towards the common. They then passed below Heswall and went on to Thurstaston. After searching in vain for a hare, the disheartened hunters returned to mine host of the Black Horse, who endeavoured to atone for the disappointment of the chase. The innocent villagers think it will be long before they hunt Heswall again."
"Rock Ferry Beagles"
Cheshire Observer : January 21st 1882 Page 5

"An inquest was held at the Black Horse, Heswall, on Tuesday, before Mr. Churton, coroner, with regard to the death of John Sutherland, 16 years, a farm servant, employed by Mr. Hough, farmer. It appeared that on Friday, the 19th inst., deceased was bringing a pony out of a stable in which there were three waggon horses. The pony came into contact with one of the horses, when the latter struck out with great violence, kicking deceased on the side of the stomach. He did not complain much at the time, but later in the day he complained of violent pain and he was very ill and vomited. Dr. Russell was sent for about half-past six in the morning, but unfortunately did not arrive till three o'clock in the afternoon, when he found the fellow dead. In all probability some internal organ had been ruptured. The verdict was "Accidentally died from the kick of a horse."
"Death From A Horse's Kick"
Cheshire Chronicle : May 27th 1882 Page 2

"On Thursday the half-yearly rent audit of Mr Bromley-Davenport's Heswall tenants was held at the Black Horse Inn, Heswall, when the agent, by Mr Davenport's instructions, allowed a reduction of 10 per cent. The customary dinner followed, when an excellent repast, including all the delicacies in season, was served by the host [Mr H. Cross]. The usual toasts were proposed by Mr. Henry Totty. who presided, and the health of the respected landlord was drunk with much applause. In some sports which followed, Mr. Duncan won the hurdle race after a close contest with Mr. Griffith, and the competitors in the sack race "ran" a dead heat."
"Rent Day"
Cheshire Observer : June 30th 1888 Page 8

"Dr. Churton, of Chester, coroner for the division, held an inquest on Wednesday, at the Black Horse Inn, Heswall, on the body of Fred Miller, an officer in the Cheshire Volunteers, and honorary organist at Heswall Church. Evidence was given at much length to show that Mr. Miller, who usually enjoyed excellent health, had been lately suffering from a sore throat and a cold. As a consequence he went to a neighbouring chemist, and requested to have a prescription made up which had been given to him four years before for another complaint. He also brought back with him a quantity of chloride of potass as a gargle. In the meantime he had been taking a number of pills, which had not only reduced him greatly in strength, but had produced a violent attack of sickness. When he was apparently very ill his parents gave him a cup of tea and sent for Dr. Russell, of Neston. Dr. Blundon, his assistant, went to Mr. Miller's residence, and found the patient in a very prostrate condition and pulseless. He administered brandy, and gave ammonia and then telephoned for Dr. Russell. The two medical gentlemen remained with Mr. Miller all night, unsuccessfully endeavouring to revive him. He died shortly after being left by Dr. Blunden, who now gave it as his opinion that Mr. Miller died from exhaustion following upon over-dosing with medicine. The Coroner spoke warmly as to the extraordinary course this young man had been permitted to take in physicing himself, making use of a prescription four years old, which was possibly intended for quite another complaint. They had heard Dr. Blunden's opinion, that deceased died from exhaustion following the taking of violent purgative medicines, but perhaps they would prefer to take a definite opinion after a post-mortem examination. The jury consulted for half an hour. The foreman said the jury did not think it necessary to hold a post-mortem examination. They had come to the conclusion that Mr. Miller died from general prostration, but what the inducing cause of it was the evidence failed to prove."
"Sad Death Of A Cheshire Volunteer Officer"
Cheshire Observer : April 16th 1889 Page 6

"An inquest was held at the Heswall Hotel, on Thursday, before Mr. H. Churton, county coroner, on the body of Robert Williams, aged 77. Deceased fell from a loft about five weeks ago, dislocating his thigh, and succumbed to his injuries on the Tuesday. The jury returned a verdict of "Accidental death."
"Heswall"
Chester Courant : October 21st 1891 Page 7

"The Wallasey Shop Assistants' Association and their friends signalised the Royal Wedding Day by holding their first annual picnic, the place selected for the day's outing being the prettily situated resort of Heswall. A little after one o'clock the outward journey commenced. The party, numbering about 130, were conveyed in five well-horsed wagonettes supplied from Gibbon's stables. The drive out, by way of Upton and Arrowe, was highly enjoyable, the weather being everything that could be desired. A substantial knife and fork tea was subsequently partaken of at the Heswall Hotel, after which Mr. W.F.Lee made remarks as to the objects of the Shop Assistants' Association. The arrangements, which left nothing to be desired, were carried out by a committee consisting of Messrs. H. Beamish, J. Wright, T. Rowe, F. Gibson, J. T. Williams [chairman of the association], and W. H. Brooks, hoc. sec."
"Wallasey Shop Assistants' Picnic"
Birkenhead News : July 8th 1893 Page 4

"Private Theatricals were given in the Assembly Room of the new Heswall Hotel, on Tuesday afternoon, by Mr. L. J. Dobie. Special saloon carriages were run from Heswall Station in connection with the event, the guests numbering altogether about 250. The pieces represented were "Trial by Jury" and "The Grass Widow.""
"Private Theatricals' Picnic"
Cheshire Observer : February 22nd 1896 Page 8

"Mr. J. C. Bate, county coroner, held an inquiry on Saturday morning, at the Heswall Hotel, Heswall, into the death of Samuel Totty, a Chester fisherman, who died under very sad circumstances the previous Wednesday morning. The evidence of his fishermen companions, William Totty and Thomas Buckley, showed that they were fishing during Tuesday afternoon until eleven o'clock at night. About that time a storm came on and they began to row the boat towards Heswall. The wind was too strong for them, however, and they had to keep on rowing all night. Between four and five o'clock the deceased said he could not row any more, as "he was bad." It was then snowing, freezing. and blowing hard, and the boat had shipped a great quantity of water. The deceased sat with his feet in the water, and an overcoat over his shoulders. It was about half-past six when Heswall was reached, but at that time the deceased was in a dangerous condition, and did not answer when spoken to. Totty was taken, still alive, to the nearest house, and put to bed, brandy being administered, but he died soon afterwards. The Coroner, in summing up, said there was no doubt the deceased had died from exposure, the immediate cause of death being syncope. A verdict to this effect was returned."
"Sad Death Of A Chester Fisherman"
Altrincham, Bowdon & Hale Guardian
November 30th 1898 Page 4

"A painful sensation has been caused in the village by the two sudden deaths which have taken place during the past week. On Sunday Mr. Parry, who is caretaker of the Pole Hill Temperance Institute, succumbed suddenly after attending in his ordinary manner to the arrangements for afternoon service. At the inquest, which was held on Monday, a verdict of "Death from heart failure" was brought in. The funeral took place at Flaybrick Hill Cemetery, Birkenhead, on Wednesday, the wreaths including one from members of the different organisations connected with the institute. In the second case Thomas Alexander, a grocer in business in Bedford Road, Rock Ferry, died suddenly in the Heswall Hotel. Mr. Alexander, who was 60 years of age, had been living in Heswall for the benefit of his health for some little time, arriving on Tuesday [the day of his death], by the 5.45 train. He proceeded on his way home, calling at the hotel, where he asked for a glass of bitter beer. Before serving him the licensee asked how he was, and he said he felt "grand." Shortly after a thud was heard, and Mr. Alexander was found to be suffering, it was thought, from a fit. On an examination being made it was seen that the unfortunate man was dying, and Dr. W. R. Main was at once telephoned for. Mr. Alexander, however, expired before his arrival. At the inquest held by Mr. J. C. Bate [Coroner for West Cheshire] it was stated that the deceased had been suffering from heart disease for some time, and a verdict of "Death from natural causes" was accordingly returned."
"Heswall"
Birkenhead News : November 7th 1908 Page 2

"A retired Brigadier-General, a D.S.O., and ex-champion heavyweight boxer of the British Army, figured as complainant in an amusing case heard yesterday before Mr. Joseph Pemberton at the Neston Petty Sessions, when Albert Pain was summoned by Brigadier-General C. A. H. M'Lean for assault. Both parties occupied bungalows in the same field at Broad Lane, Heswall. Mr. Joseph Roberts [Birkenhead] appeared for the general. It was stated that Pain entered the smoke room the Black Horse Hotel, Heswall, where the general was reading a newspaper, and struck him a blow on the face, afterwards throwing a bundle of clothing at him and using abusive language, which, it was said, could be heard "all over the hotel." Pain is an old naval pensioner, had been employed by the general to do his house work. The parties fell out in the early part of the year, and there subsequent discussions regarding wages. A County Court action, it is said, was pending. Mr. Roberts explained that the clothing thrown at the general was a suit which had been given to Pain by the defendant. Criticising the suit of clothes in question, Pain said, "You'd freeze in in the tropics in them if you didn't have something underneath them. I took them to give to somebody else. He is six-foot-two and I am five-foot-five. What is the good of the suit to me? I didn't call him any names only "a dirty skunk." Chairman - That is bad enough isn't it? Pain was ordered to pay a fine of 10s. and two guineas costs. He left the court saying. "I think it is a shame - an absolute shame!"
"Scene In A Heswall Hotel"
Liverpool Daily Post : March 27th 1926 Page 5

Column-4

"On Wednesday the citizens of Chester learnt with much regret of the sad death at Heswall of John Meale Nicholson, solicitor, Cathedral Chambers. Chester. Deceased, who was aged about 58, had been in ill-health for some time, and had resided at Heswall in the hope of recovery. On Monday he left the house where he was staying, and did not return. His dead body was found on Tuesday evening in a field at Heswall. There was a bullet wound in his head, and a revolver was found by his side. Deceased was of Cumberland parentage, was articled as a solicitor at the office of Messrs. Birch, Cullimore and Douglas. He commenced his practice for himself in the early part of 1874. and had thus just completed thirty years in this profession. He had a wide circle of friends in Chester. He was of a retiring nature, and took no part in public life. He leaves a family of two sons. The funeral took place yesterday [Friday] afternoon at Eastham Church. The inquest was held by the Coroner for West Cheshire [Mr. J. C. Bate] at the Heswall Hotel, Heswall, on Wednesday afternoon. Mr. E. Brassey, solicitor, appeared for the relatives. The Coroner said deceased had been in ill-health for some time, and he had been residing in Heswall. On Monday, about three o'clock, he left the place where he was lodging, and was not seen alive afterwards by any person. On Tuesday evening his body was found behind a hedge in a field close to the Heswall Hotel and from the circumstances he thought the jury would come to the conclusion that deceased took his own life. A revolver with a discharged cartridge was found underneath the body, and in the head there was bullet wound which had obviously caused death. The only question for the jury was the state the of mind at the time he committed the act. Charles Cyril Rutter Nicholson, residing at Rhyl, identified the body as that of his father, who, he said, was aged about 58 years. He lived at Abbot's Cottage, Liverpool Road, Chester. Witness saw deceased last on Sunday night. He then complained of being in pain, and he was depressed. He had been residing at Heswall since May for the benefit of his health. The note [produced] was in his handwriting. The Corner: I think, from the letter found on him, he had some financial difficulty. Witness: I do not know of his financial affairs as I have not been at home for some time. By Mr. Brassey: Deceased had complained of his health and of having great pains in his head. He had been very erratic in his actions extremely irritable. He had got annoyed at the least thing, and lately he had been fretful and continually complaining. Deceased was not at of cheerful disposition. His demeanour in the last two years had changed greatly, and one would hardly have recognised him as the same person. The Coroner: Do you think him entirely accountable for his actions? Witness: No, at times I should say he was quite insane. Jane Jones, Whitby House, Heswall, said deceased had lodged with her since the 2nd of August, and he had been very delicate all that time. On Monday he had a fairly good breakfast. He wrote all morning, and at one o'clock he had a little lunch. She did not see him again, but heard him go downstairs to go out between three and half-past three. That was the last time he was in the house. He had been very poorly on Sunday, but he was rather brighter on Monday and fairly cheerful. He had never threatened to take his life, and witness had not seen a revolver in his possession. William Hayes, barman at the Heswall Hotel, said that on Monday, about 3.30, deceased came in, and he was served with a small whisky. Witness supplied him with a pen, ink, paper and a stamp, and was asked by deceased to post a letter for him. Deceased left about 3.40, through the back way, and he said he was going up the hill. Witness noticed nothing strange in his manner. Edward Rimmer, a Liverpool architect, residing in Rock Ferry, said he was walking across the Far Hall Field, Heswall, about 6.30 p.m. on Tuesday evening, when he saw deceased in a crouching position in a ditch. He spoke to him, but received no answer, and thought he was dead at the time. He spoke to some men in the next field and sent for the police. He did not move the body. John Moore, fruiterer, Heswall, said he was in the Far Hall Fields, Heswall, when his attention was called by the last witness to a man lying apparently ill. He got down in the ditch and tried to raise him up, but found he was cold and stiff. He noticed blood on the ground. He went for the police and afterwards assisted to remove the body to the Heswall Hotel. Police-Sergeant Ratcliffe deposed to being called to the body. He found it in the bottom the ditch in a crouching position. The left knee was on the ground and the right knee about six inches above the ground, He raised the body, and under the body he found a six-chambered revolver, containing three three cartridges, one of which was empty. He found a bullet wound in the right temple, and the face was covered in blood. There was also a lot of blood on the ground. There was a quantity of deceased's private correspondence in his pockets, including two letters, one addressed to the coroner and the other to Dr. Jephcott. The Coroner said he did not think there could be any objection to one portion of the letter addressed to Dr. Jephcott, of Chester, who had been deceased's adviser. It would of be a pretty good guide to the jury as to the state of deceased's mind. The letter was dated Monday evening, and was very probably written in that hotel or immediately before leaving home. Deceased wrote: "I am tonight racked with pain in my side, my hand and my body. My memory is going worse and worse, and I am so nervous I feel that my mind is leaving me. I fear much for the future and my ability to live my allotted span of life." The second note, which had been addressed to him [the coroner], he did not intend to read in full, because it made some allegations against a gentleman who had felt it his duty to bring pressure to bear for a settlement of a financial transaction. He would not mention his name. Deceased wrote: "It is Mr. -'s undue influence for settlement of his unjust claim that is driving me mad. I would rather die than be a lunatic and dependent on anyone for the rest of my life. His mind had been very much unhinged, and what he did he did to a certain extent without having the responsibility for the act. The jury returned a verdict that deceased committed suicide while of unsound mind."
"Chester Solicitor's Death"
Cheshire Observer : September 17th 1904 Page 8

"News that the Black Horse pub in Heswall Lower village has closed came as a shock to our social media followers. In recent years the pub has had its ups and downs, but lately it seemed to be doing decent business under the stewardship of a landlady who had been in charge since late 2013. The Black Horse is owned by Punch Taverns. With around 3,300 leased and managed pubs it is the second largest pub operator in the UK and listed on the London stock exchange. The company also has a chequered financial past having built its massive business by using debt to buy pubs. In 2010 it owed £3.5 billion and the £11 million pay packet of its then CEO, Giles Thorley, raised eyebrows. Today, however, after changes of command and refinancing, the shares are priced at 114p and recommended as a Buy by some tipsters. But these are challenging times for companies like Punch. In the past their pub tenants were obliged by contract to buy their beer from just one source: Punch. In other words, Punch pubs were tied pubs. Earlier this year legislation came into force that allows tenants to buy their beer from sellers of their choice. This is not great for Punch for whom beer sales are an important source of revenue. A reader who contacted Heswall Today claims that Punch applied unwelcome pressure. "The landlady has been bullied out by owners Punch Taverns in the same way they forced the landlady of the Hilbre pub in West Kirby out in September. Punch Taverns are asking all tenants to sign new leases with a clause agreeing to waive their right to go free-of-tie. Anyone who won't sign is being bullied to leave. Rent and beer prices are raised meaning it's not possible for the tenant to make a living." Heswall Today will put this to Punch at the earliest opportunity and try to discover what its plans for the Black Horse are. The pub has so far not been listed among the pubs and bars Punch offers to potential managers and tenants on its website. What becomes of an historic and important community building is already exercising local imaginations, not least because the Pensby Hotel is currently being flattened to make way for a 60-bed care home. When Punch Taverns reduced its portfolio of pubs from 6,700 it estimated that of the 3,000 plus sold a third would become care homes or retail or residential developments. It is too early to become overanxious about the fate of the Black Horse, not least because it sits in the Heswall Lower Village Conservation Area and should have some protection. That said, the pub's future is worth monitoring closely."
"The Black Horse In Lower Heswall - Wither Now?"
by Mark Gorton in Heswall Today : November 13th 2016

© Image from Star Pubs advertisement for tenancy of the Black Horse at Lower Heswall.

© Image from Star Pubs advertisement for tenancy of the Black Horse at Lower Heswall.

© Image from Star Pubs advertisement for tenancy of the Black Horse at Lower Heswall.

© Image from Star Pubs advertisement for tenancy of the Black Horse at Lower Heswall.

"A historic Wirral pub is at risk of closure. The Black Horse Hotel has been situated on School Hill in Lower Heswall since 1836 but due to the cost-of-living crisis and rise in energy bills the pub now faces an uncertain future unless there is a significant upturn in trade. Pub landlord, Wayne Moore handed in his notice at the pub after four-and-a-half years due to it not being a "viable business" anymore. He told the Globe: "The pub doesn't have the people coming in it's not supported. I'm hoping the brewery will get someone and keep it open. I will stay there as long as I possibly can, but it depends on trade. I've worked there for over four years, and it's been a hard slog. It's really difficult when it just doesn't make enough money." After years of intermittent Covid lockdowns and social restrictions followed by surging costs and falling sales, many pub and bar companies in the area have been forced to close. Wayne said: "It's more expensive to run a pub anyway with the heating and electricity and gas bills they're ridiculously expensive. It's not a viable business anymore. Especially with the cost-of-living crisis people have changed their habits of going out for food and drinks. We had to stop serving food in November last year because not enough people were coming in. It's very disappointing. I'm sad for the regulars who have supported us for the last four-and-a-half years. The pub has been there since 1836 and for it to potentially left to ruin or develop into something like flats would just be criminal but there's just no backing, support or help from the locals in the lower village." A spokesperson for Star Pubs & Bars said: "The current licensee has advised us they intend vacating The Black Horse Hotel. We are in the process of looking to recruit a new operator to take the pub on."
"Historic Wirral Pub At Risk Of Closure
Due To Lack Of Customers"
by Rebecca McGrath in Wirral Globe : February 15th 2024

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References
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3. McGrath, Rebecca. [2024] "Historic Wirral Pub At Risk Of Closure Due To Lack Of Customers" within Wirral Globe <https://www.wirralglobe.co.uk/news/24122591.historic-wirral-pub-risk-closure-due-lack-customers/>, Published on February 15th. 2024. Accessed September 17th, 2024.
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9. 1881 England Census RG 11/3647 : Lancashire > Toxteth Park > District 61, Page 60.
10. 1881 England Census RG 11/3568 : Cheshire > Heswall > District 2, Page 19.
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12. "The Transfer Of Licenses" : Birkenhead News; January 28th, 1888, Page 7.
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14. "Petty Sessions" : Chester Chronicle; July 27th, 1889, Page 4.
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18. "A Liverpool Brewer's Death" : Suffolk and Essex Free Press; June 21st, 1911, Page 6.
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20. "What Does "Stone Ale" Mean" : Staffordshire Chronicle; November 17th, 1888, Page 6.
21. "The Stone Ale Case : Joule's Brewery Wins On Appeal" : Staffordshire Chronicle; February 23rd, 1889, Page 5.
22. "A New Family Hotel For Heswall" : Birkenhead News; June 28th, 1890, Page 4.
23. "Wirral Railway" : Birkenhead News; April 24th, 1886, Page 2.
24. 1891 England Census RG 12/2871 : Cheshire > Heswall #62; District 2, Page 4.
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26. "Value Of Property At Heswall" : Cheshire Observer; January 24th, 1891, Page 8.
27. "New Hotel For Heswall" : Cheshire Chronicle; August 27th, 1892, Page 5.
28. "Chester Lion Brewery" : Westminster Gazette; May 19th, 1896, Page 8.
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30. "Important Brewery Amalgamation" : Cambria Daily Leader; December 31st, 1901, Page 3.
31. Church of England Marriages and Banns, 1754-1939 : Cheshire > Tranmere > St. Paul, 1894 Page 36.
32. "Not Guilty Of Manslaughter : Six Months For Driving Offence" : Liverpool Daily Post; March 29th, 1938, Page 4.
33. 1901 England Census RG 13/3380 : Cheshire > Heswall with Oldfield > District 3, Page 36.
34. "County" : Birkenhead News; June 9th, 1894, Page 2.
35. "Heswall" : Birkenhead News; May 25th, 1901, Page 4.
36. 1911 Census Piece No.16164 : Shropshire > Overton > District 351, Enumeration District 01 Schedule 35.
37. "Wirral Transfer Sessions" : Birkenhead News; May 21st, 1910, Page 10.
38. 1911 Census Piece No.21962 : Cheshire > Birkenhead > District 452, Enumeration District 05 Schedule 241.
39. 1911 Census Piece No.21901 : Cheshire > Heswall with Oldfield > District 451, Enumeration District 03 Schedule 366.

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