Some history of the White Hart Inn at Pershore in the County of Worcestershire

Worcestershire | Pershore | White Hart Inn

The White Hart Inn stood in Newlands close to the corner of Little Priest Lane.

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"Early yesterday [Thursday] morning, a robbery, attended with great violence, was committed upon the person of a man named Alfred Whitford, a native of this town, but who for some time past has carried on the business of a hair-dresser, in Lowesmoor, Worcester, and also, during the season, visits the several towns and villages in the county for the purpose of horse-clipping. It appears that Whitford had been working in the neighbourhood, and was passing through Pershore on Wednesday evening on his way to Upton Snodsbury, but before proceeding thither he called at two or three public-houses in Pershore, including the White Hart Inn, where he got into company with several loose characters to whom he, being rather the worse for liquor, stupidly exhibited his money. Some time past midnight, Whitford, accompanied by two of his companions, left for Upton, and, on getting to the top of Pershore, both of them left, bidding him good night, and he went on his way to the Union Workhouse, which is but a short distance where they parted. He had, however, not proceeded far before he received a tremendous blow on the back of the head from some heavy instrument, which felled him to the ground, and on looking up he saw one of the two men who had just bid him good night standing over him, and who continued striking him until he became insensible. On coming to himself, some hours afterwards, he discovered that his purse, containing about 24s. had been stolen. He managed to get into Pershore, where, about half-past five o'clock in the morning, he was found lying in an exhausted state near the door of the Chequers Inn. The poor fellow is very seriously injured, having received a severe cut on the back of the head, which bled profusely; and has also several bad bruises about the neck, arms, and hands, supposed to be received in warding off the ruffian's blows. The assistance of J. G. Rusher Esq., surgeon, was promptly obtained and under his judicious treatment it is hoped the result, as regards the sufferer, will be favourable. Under the directions of Whitford, the police have taken into custody a man named Thomas Twigg, who is charged with the robbery and violence."
"Highway Robbery With Violence"
Worcester Herald : December 5th 1857 Page 2

"The man, Thomas Twigg, who was apprehended yesterday week by P.C. Ridd, on a charge of violently assaulting Alfred Whitford, a native of Pershore, with intent to do him some grievous bodily harm, and of robbing him of 24s. on the highway, was on Saturday taken before H. Hudson, Esq., and committed for trial at the Assizes. The prisoner is a young man, strongly built, but has a very sinister appearance. From the evidence given by Whitford, who appeared very ill, and had his head and neck bandaged, it seems that he was drinking in company with Twigg and others at the White Hart Inn, Newlands, Pershore, on Wednesday evening week, when he paid for some drink, and left about two o'clock on the morning of Thursday. When he had got near to the Union Workhouse [about 200 yards from the corner of Head Street] he received a blow on the back of the head from the prisoner, which knocked him down. He was then beaten with a heavy stick until he became insensible, and on recovering consciousness he with great difficulty walked to the Chequers Inn, at the top of Pershore, where he sank down on the pavement from exhaustion. He remained there until six o'clock, when he was taken to Mr. Checketts's, blacksmith, in the High Street. He there discovered that he had been robbed of £1. 4s. Charles Keyte, landlord of the White Hart Inn, P.C. Ridd, Mr. J. G. Rusher, surgeon, and a soldier named Samuel Hemus, gave evidence in the case. The wound was such as might have produced dangerous symptoms. Whitford has for some time past carried on the business of a hair-dresser and horse clipper in Lowesmoor, Worcester."
"The Late Highway Robbery With Violence"
Worcester Herald : December 12th 1857 Page 8

At the Assizes the jury were not satisfied that the attacker was definitely Thomas Twigg. It was dark and Whitford's statement was questioned as he was the worse for drink on the night. They returned a verdict of "Not guilty."

"Viola Robinson, was charged with stealing a petticoat and skirt, the property of Jessie Godfrey, married woman, of the White Hart, Pershore, on August 12th. Prosecutrix said she left the skirt on a seat in the kitchen of the White Horse and the petticoat on the table while she went upstairs. When she returned she noticed that defendant bad the petticoat under her arm. She got that from her but when she had gone she missed the skirt. P.C. Nicklin gave evidence as to finding the skirt in defendant's possession, when he arrested her on another charge. Defendant was then charged with being drunk and disorderly on the same date. P.C. Nicklin said defendant was very drunk and had to be taken to the police station on a wheelbarrow with her legs strapped. She bit witness and the man who assisted him to get her to the station. For the theft defendant was sentenced to seven days' and for being drunk and disorderly she was sentenced to three days' hard labour."
"Two Charges"
Evesham Standard : August 20th 1904 Page 3