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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => Cumberland => England => Cumberland Lookup Requests => Topic started by: Keith Sherwood on Wednesday 19 May 21 06:10 BST (UK)
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I was wondering whether anyone knows anything about the history of The CLICKHAM INN, which stands on its own at a crossroads at Blencowe, near the village of Greystoke, not many miles from the town of Penrith. I have seen an undated photo showing a couple of women in white aprons standing some way apart in front of the same building, and on the back someone has written "The Misses Hanna (sic) and Dorris (sic) LANCASTER. There is a sign on the inn/hotel behind that says "J.Bell Station Hotel"
I have come across mention of a 1924 will of a John LANCASTER, of The Fish Hotel at the time of his death, who bequeaths sums of money to "daughter Hannah" and "granddaughter Doris". There is of course no guarantee whatsoever that these are the same two women who perhaps carried on a family tradition of running a hostelry in the area.
Blencowe Railway Station nearby apparently opened in 1865.
That's all I know so far, and I would greatly appreciate it if someone could supply any local information about the history of the building and its use, or at least tell me where to start looking for it...
Many thanks, Keith
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Hi Keith :)
I realise your post is 18 months old and by now you may well have all the answers.
The 1939 Register has the alleged dates of birth: Hannah 5/3/76, Doris 18/4/98 which seems right for Doris at least. Both were single. They were living at the Station Hotel, Blencow.
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Hi again, Geoff E,
And thanks so much for chipping in with that very useful information. Exact date of births in the 1939 Register are such a valuable resource, aren't they? I shall get back to the landlord of the Clickham Inn and tell him that we now know when exactly those two women in the photo he has hanging on the wall of his pub were born.
And 18 months is nothing in the life of a thread on here! I've had threads I've started twitching back into life after a pause of over 10 years sometimes.
Have twice been back to this area of Cumbria for a week's holiday since we visited this pub in May 2021 (on our daughter's birthday in fact, for a very nice meal). But not to the Clickham Inn about which I have discovered absolutely nothing more of its past.
Very best wishes, Keith
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https://maps.nls.uk/view/102340860
This map (surveyed 1860, published 1867) shows a "P.H" where the Clickham Inn now stands. I'm assuming the map reflects the survey date, which was before the railway arrived 1865 and it didn't begin life as the Station Hotel.
Being described as a "P.H." rather than a beerhouse I had hoped to spot it named on a '61 Census or earlier - but no luck. Nor can I find (as yet) a newspaper article that might fit a pub in that location.
I did wonder why "Blencow Station", given its location but an 1865 newspaper item explains a Newbiggin Station already existed and Greystoke was ruled out because the local landowner "did not care to have the station called after his pleasant demesne".
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Carlisle Journal - Tuesday 30 October 1877
Sale of the Station Hotel, Blencowe — On Friday evening last Mr. Wm. Bowerbank offered for sale upon the premises the Station Hotel near Blencowe, Penrith, long well-known by the name of "Clickem Inn” and three acres of land adjoining, the rental which is £50. The property was sold to Mr. W. Robinson, Kegdale Lane, at £1,272. Messrs. Cant and Fairer were the vendors' solicitors.
and here is the sale notice
Cumberland and Westmoreland Herald Oct 6 1877
VALUABLE FREEHOLD PUBLIC HOUSE AND LANDS NEAR BLENCOWE STATION, FOR SALE.
To BE SOLD BY PUBLIC AUCTION, on FRIDAY, the 26th of OCTOBER, 1877, at Six o'clock in the Evening, upon the Premises, at the Station Hotel, BLENCOWE, all that desirable MESSUAGE or PUBLIC HOUSE, called and known by the name of the STATION HOTEL, situate in the Township of Newbiggin, in the Parish of Dacre, in the County of Cumberland. And also all those TWO CLOSES or INCLOSURES of LAND, called respectively, "LONGLANDS CLOSE" and "MOSS CLOSE," situate closely adjoining the Hotel, and containing by estimation about THREE ACRES, be the same more or less.
The whole of the premises are in the occupation of Mr. ROBERT TINNISWOOD. as yearly tenant, and possession can be given at Whitsuntide next. This property, late the estate of Mr. John Robinson, deceased, is offered for Sale by the Trustees under his Will, and offers a very favourable opportunity for profitable investment, as the land is of superior quality, and the Hotel, being within a quarter of a mile of Blencowe Station on the Keswick Railway, is much frequented by travellers both by road or rail.
The Tenant will show the premises, and further particulars may be known on application to Messrs. THOMAS TODD and MARK WALKER, of Newbiggin aforesaid, Trustees for Sale ; or at the Office of Messrs. Cant and Fairer, Solicitors, Penrith.
WILLIAM BOWERBANK, Penrith, Auctioneer.
Penrith, Oct. 3rd, 1877.
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Hi again Hanes Teulu!
Thanks so much for that map. I suppose the Record Office at Carlisle might have directories of the area beyond 1939 which would give further clues to when The Station Hotel there became The Clickham Inn. And possibly who ran it as a pub. It was certainly thriving when we visited it in May 2021 after having visited Nicky Richards' NH Racing stables just up the road at Greystoke to look at a horse he has in training there and of which we have a very tiny share. And a good chat after an excellent meal with the landlord who showed us that b/w photo that is displayed on one of the walls, and who was wondering about the history of his hostelry, which I think he'd only taken over since 2018...
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The widowed Jane Robinson selling up before the 1877 sale. She and her husband John are at the Station Hotel in the 1871 census.
Penrith Observer - Tuesday 08 May 1877
HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE FOR SALE
WILLIAM BOWERBANK hu received instructions from Mrs. Jane ROBINSON, to SELL BY AUCTION, on FRIDAY, the 11th day of MAY, 1877, at the STATION HOTEL, near BLENCOWE STATION. nearly the whole of her HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, BAR REQUISITES, etc., comprising 1 Camp Bedstead, Feather Beds, a number of Chairs, Longsettle, Pictures, Case of Stuffed Birds, Carpets, an excellent Dining Table and other Tables, Pots, Pans, Fenders, and Fire Irons.
An excellent Mangle, Ladders, Firewood, etc. Joiner's Bench and Tools, and a good Grindstone.
The BAR REQUISITES include Spirit Kegs, Pewter Measures, Wine and Tumbler Glasses, etc. etc.
The Sale to common at One o'clock, for Ready Money.
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...ah, Alan Boyd, posts crossing in the ether. I need to have a good read, but very interesting to learn that the Station Hotel was previous to 1877 known as "The Clickem Inn"...Thanks so much for your input.
Keith
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The Lancasters prosecuted in 1935.
Penrith Observer - Tuesday 14 May 1935
BLENCOWE LICENSEE CHARGED.
Drinks Before Time.
At Penrith Police Court this morning Hannah Lancaster, licensee, Station Hotel, Blencowe, Penrith, was charged with supplying through her agent (Doris Lancaster) intoxicating liquor to Henry Kenny, plate-layer, Oulton, and John Jacques, labourer, The Thorpe, Greystoke, for consumption either on or off the licensed premises, during non-permitted hours, at 5.45 p.m. on May 7th.
Doris Lancaster, Station Hotel, Blencowe, was charged with supplying the liquor and, Kenny and Jacques were charged with consuming.
Mr. C. Arnison appeared for the female defendants. All four pleaded not guilty.
P.C. Renwick in evidence spoke to entering the promisee and finding defendant Kenny seated with a glass continuing brown liquid. He said he was drinking a "dash " and that he did not know whet the time was. He went to the kitchen and saw Jacques put a glass containing liquid into a small cupboard just where he was sitting. He saw Hannah Lancaster and asked her for an explanation. She said "They have just come in to hear the news." The wireless was then playing orchestral music. Witness took the glass out of the cupboard and told Jacques had been drinking beer, but he said it was not his. When he told defendants they would be reported they said they thought it was after six o'clock.
Cross-examined by Mr. Arnison witness did not agree that he had made a mistake in the time and that it was later than he had stated.
Giving evidence, Hannah Lancaster stated that Jacques had been cutting wood for her and when he came into the house a few minutes before six she gave him the drink as a friend. Kenny came in and her daughter asked her the time and witness told her it was five minutes after six by the kitchen clock. Thu policeman arrived almost immediately after.
Replying to Deputy Chief Constable Barron, witness denied that Jacques hid his glass. The cupboard was more convenient than the table and was used by men for putting their glasses on. With regard to the time they were going by the clock and not the wireless. The set was " on " Athlone.
Doris Lancaster stated that she was sitting by the front window and saw the constable coming. but thought they were alright as it was after six. She corroborated the evidence and Mr. Barron cross-examined.
Kenny and Jacques also gave evidence.
John Taylor, Newton Reigny, stated he had been with Jacques a few minutes before he went into the house. The time was then about three minutes to six by his watch. The kitchen clock was at five minutes past six when witness's watch was at six o'clock.
Alfred Rowe, Penrith, stated he took out a pair of shoes he had repaired. He was there at a quarter to six and stayed about quarter of an hour and there were no customers in the inn then.
After a retirement the magistrates found the case proved and ordered Hannah Lancaster to pay a fine of 10s. and 3s. costs and the other three defendants 5s. each.
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Alan,
How exciting this all is! This thread lying dormant and neglected/ignored for 18 months, and suddenly a light is shone brightly on certain details of this hostelry's past, bringing Misses Hannah and Doris wonderfully to life again, somehow. What a storm in a teacup, or should I say a drop of ale in a beer glass...
Keith
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Yes Keith, it was a different world then wasn’t it!
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Alan,
That Oct 1877 "Clickem Inn" find was spot on. Seems there was another "Clickem Inn" in nearby Appleby/Longwathby/Melmerby.
Penrith Observer, 21 Aug 1866
"Mr Cant applied for a spirit licence to the beerhouse called Clickem Inn, in the occupation of Mr Robinson, and situate on the Greystoke Road - Application granted"
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1871 Census
John Robinson, Head, Marr, 68, Innkeeper and Landowner, born Warcop, Westmorland
Address - Station Hotel
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Clickem comes from a North Country dialect word 'click' meaning to steal. A clickem is a thief or even a body snatcher. "Clickem Inn" is a name applied to lonely wayside public houses. Also appears in "it was got at Clickem Fair" meaning it was purloined.
source: The English Dialect Dictionary p 639
Ed. Joseph Wright, Ma, Ph.D, D.C.L Volume I London: Published By Henry Frowde Amen Corner EC 1898
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Thanks for that information. There are certainly a number of "Clickems" around.
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1861 Census
John Robinson, Head, Marr, 58, Beer House Keeper, born ?, Westmorland
FindMyPast have transcribed the address as "Gaid Port, Hoggart Hill, Newbiggin" but I read it as "Guid Post".
The '61 addresses run " ... Newbiggin, Hoggart Hill, Riggs, Guid Post, Moss Thorn, Pallet Hill ..."
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Carlisle Journal, 4 Mar 1843
" ... GUIDE POST HOUSE, on the road between Penrith and Greystoke ... Proposals will be received by John Robinson of 1 Guide Post House, the owner ..."
This is from the extract returned when I search BNA - but the original image is not being displayed.
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I read John Robinson’s birthplace in the 1871 census as Warcop, and there is indeed a Warcop about 25 miles SE of Blencow, beyond Appleby.
Also I’m not sure if you spotted the significance of Guide Post, see here
https://maps.nls.uk/view/121144688
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death of John Robinson
registration: John Robinson, died Q1 1876 Penrith, birth year 1803 age 73
Cumberland & Westmorland Herald - Saturday 26 February 1876
ROBINSON—At the Station Hotel, Newbiggin, Dacre, on the 21st inst., Mr. John Robinson, aged 73 years.
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Magic - the "Guide Post" spot!
1851 Census
John Robinson, Head, Marr, 46, Ag lab and Beerhouse Keeper, born Warcop
Address "Guide Post House"
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Thanks so much Alan and Hanes Teulu for continuing your dialogue and unearthing further fascinating details about the Clickham Inn. I shall be passing on all this to the present landlord, who as I've mentioned previously on this thread wanted to know more about his pub in its quite isolated spot, with its signpost outside pointing in various directions...
Keith
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Hi Keith – I'm not finished yet: here is another theory on the origin of the name Clickem inn from the Penrith Observer - Tuesday 17 August 1954
CLICK EM
COMMENTING on Frank Haley's recent articles on Blencowe, Mr John S. Wilkin sends me some interesting notes on Clickem. a name which has puzzled many inquirers.
He writes: "The name is derived from The Clickem Brow approach to the inn, and to the fact that horses, when heavily laden, click their shoes when pulling uphill or pushed downhill, and the local vocabulary would say they 'click 'em.' and call the horses 'clickers.' "There used to be a signboard over the old inn picturing a couple of horses drinking from a trough, and beneath the picture the caption read:–
'If after climbing Clickem Hill,
You feel inclined to take a gill
And slake your horses, take the tin
And oatmeal from the stable bin.'
The new name of the inn— Station Inn—came on completion of the old C.K. and P. Railway, but the old familiar name of 't'Clickem' persisted, and the new name scarcely ever used."
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And here is my last sighting of Hannah Lancaster. This confirms what I had suspected from looking at her in census returns – Doris was her illegitimate daughter (her birth registration has mmn Lancaster). Hannah would have been ~ 78 at this time.
Penrith Observer - Tuesday 12 October 1954
On your doorstep – Frank Haley
Even from the train you do not see much of the Cumbrian village of Newbiggin: Blencowe Lime Works, Tymparon Hall, and glimpses of a few houses—and that is all.
From the Penrith-Keswick highway there is even less to hint at the people and homes that have been next to Flusco Pike for "long enough since."
Anyone using the main road frequently will not have failed to notice one section of traffic constantly coming or going along the branch road to Newbiggin— the limeworks lorries.
They turn just opposite a well-known landmark, The Station Hotel, or Clickem as it is usually called.
Clickem
I left the bus at Clickem. mindful of Mr Wilkin's recent explanation of the name, and went inside for a while. The hotel belongs to Newbiggin though well divorced from the village proper.
Some new houses stand on the other side of the cross roads and one or two more down towards the railway station. Bunkers Hill is about half a mile in the Greystoke direction, Pallet Hill on the rise towards Penrith, a similar distance away.
Mrs Hannah Lancaster is licensee of the Station Hotel, a quick-moving little woman who attended to my requirements. I believe Mrs Lancaster has been hostess there for a long time, her daughter, Doris, assisting her now.
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That's simply splendid, Alan! Family history/genealogy is never ever truly finished, is it?
All those extra detailed brushstrokes of the past, adding to our canvas. The isolated site of the pub is really quite evocative to this day...I wonder whether there was ever a gibbet standing there. Now, I am getting rather carried away in my imagination....
Keith
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I can confirm some facts in this thread ..
Doris Lancaster (1898-1970) was Hannah Lancaster's (1876-1975) only child & together they ran The Station Hotel/Clickem/Clickham Inn for many, many years and did so well into their old age. It was their names above the door :)
Hannah was the only child of John Lancaster (1852-1924) & Bridget Ellison (1843-1923) of the Fish Hotel in Penrith, and when John died Hannah used her inheritance to purchase the Station Hotel/Clickem/Clickham Inn.
Doris is my Grandmother & Hannah is my Great Grandmother.
Doris had 2 daughters who are both living at 95 & 90 years old .. my Mum (90yo) has many many tales (& photos) of her early life at Clickem, before emigrating Down Under in 1966
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Hi HuxterNZ, and welcome to Rootschat!
How very exciting! I didn't manage to pop into the Clickham Inn last year when staying once more in nearby Sowerby Row. But I certainly shall when we return there in early May for a week. And to tell the present landlord that the younger woman in that b/w photo they have displayed in the pub has living descendants still.
A wonderful story, this...
Keith
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I see that The Fish Hotel in Penrith that the father - and grandfather - John Lancaster ran was demolished in 1972 and made way for the present day Poet's Walk.
And also that it appears now that Hannah Lancaster lived to the ripe old age of 98 or 99. I wonder what she made of the place where she and/or her daughter presumably grew up, disappearing like that. Though Doris had predeceased her in 1970 and wouldn't have experienced this.
Just spent a very enjoyable time at the May Day Parade in Penrith, with also a drive past of vintage tractors and cars. A lovely old market town looking at its best last Monday...
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...and today did eventually revisit The Clickham Inn. To discover from an employee there that the previous landlord (the one I'd met in 2021) had left in July 2024, with the new couple running the place now having opened up again as recently as March 2025. They were not actually there, and I asked the man whether the b/w framed photo of Hannah and Doris was still on display. It was, and I went to have a look at it again.
Now here's the strange bit. He said whenever someone took it down or tried to hang it in a different place in the pub, weird things happened. Objects fell over for no reason at all, and he also said that "strange figures sometimes appear". He didn't elaborate on the details.
Spooky stuff indeed! So I must return before I head back to East Anglia and talk to the new landlord about the provenance of all this and fill him in on all known details of the mother/daughter Lancaster.
Keith