The Red Cow PH, Frogmore/Park Street

[ds0706]

Does anyone have info about this ex-pub (closed 2002)? My son's partner has just bought it (to use as a vets practice) and would love to know its history. I already have the census images, but is there more personal info around? 

We are particularly intrigued by a plaque over the bar fireplace which says "In memory of Charlie Goodman, who's ashes are scattered nearby"... unfortunately, this is not dated... who was he?

I know you guys love a puzzle!

TIA 
Doreen

[Rick]

Hi Doreen

How intriguing!

I would have thought that it would be well worth getting hold of a copy of "Hertfordshire Inns & Public Houses an historical gazetteer," by Graham Joliffe & Arthur Jones.  Published by Hertfordshire Publications.  ISBN 0-901354-79-1.

See my review on the Herts Book Reviews thread.

http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,196830.msg177725.html#msg177725

If the pub was open in 1900 and still open in the 1990s it should be in there.  There won't be a great deal, just a few paragraphs, but it should give a potted history of the pub and its owners. It also gives structural alerations sometimes.  I know that there are several copies in the Herts library system, so you should be able to order it from your local Herts library.

As for Charlie Goodman....... It might be worth writing to the local St Albans paper to see if anyone can help. 

http://www.stalbansobserver.co.uk/aboutus/history/

Rick

[ds0706]

Thank you, Rick, for those constructive leads... my roots are in East  London/Essex, so I'd know where to go if it was in Plaistow. Not much rendered by Google, alas.

On with the hunt!

Cheers
Doreen

[Rick]

Glad to help Doreen

It also occurred to me that if the pub is a very old one the oldest parts of the deeds might have been deposited at HALS for safekeeping.

http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,24217.0.html

Obviously it would mean a visit by your son or his partner to Hertford but it might be worth it!

Also, a well written enquiry to the letters page of the St Albans Observer might solve the Charlie mystery but it would also bring some welcome free publicity for his partner's veterinary practice!

Happy New Year
Rick

[Rick]

Doreen

Did you ever manage to get hold of a copy of the JOLIFFE/JONES book?  If not, I now have a copy.  The pub is mentioned and there is a small amount on the Red Cow.  Nothing on poor Charlie however.

Let me know if you want the details.

Rick

[ds0706]

Thank you for that kind offer, but as she couldn't get the info at her local library (Hoddeston), my son is going into StAlbans on Saturday with your previous references to search their local studies room.
I may take you up on it if he draws another blank. Thanks again
Doreen

[ricky1]

Hi Doreen

I carnt help with your pub or about Charlie, but in the village pub where I used to live there is a plaque on the wall, saying Tom's Corner. It was put there in memory of one of the locals who used the pub for about 50 years, and he always sat in the same place. Could be the same sort of thing for your Charlie Goodman, he could have been a person who always used the pub, and wanted his ashes spread near by.

regards
ricky

[ds0706]

We figured that too, or maybe a past owner. We're just nosey, really.

[clare Merton]

Hello there!
Just found this thread on the net and wondered if you found anymore info about the pub?
The reason I ask is that my husband and I are researching him families history and we have traced his great grandfather (Arthur Merton) back to 121 radlett road in 1973 (the year he died).
My husbands Great Grandfather Arthur disappeared not long after my husbands grandfather was born (william) and with the magic of the web we have traced Arthur to the above address and discovered he re married... We would love to know if anyone in the area remembers Arthur and could tell us any information about him. You never know he may have been a local to the Red Cow?

Any information/advice would be much appreciated

Clare