Pubs in Avonbridge in the early 20th century

[Doddie]

Hi, I am trying to establish if there was only one public house in the village of Avonbridge in the early 1900s and what its name was. My girlfriend has a family connection to a pub in the village. As far as I can ascertain the pub was owned by Slamannan based businessman John Wilson. I have managed to find a map of he local area dated 1910. I can only see one pub in Avonbridge marked. It is next to a smithy. I think this pub is still operating under the name the 'Avonbridge Inn'. If any one has any relevant information about the history of the local area, I would be grateful for any help.

Regards

Doddie

[AlanBoyd]

This 1913 25 inch map has the Bridgehill Inn marked to the north of the river, and a P.H. south of the river. I think the latter is the current Avonside Inn.

https://maps.nls.uk/view/228782762#zoom=6.0&lat=7714&lon=3879&layers=BT

[AlanBoyd]

The PH/Avonside Inn is not marked on this 1896 map:

https://maps.nls.uk/view/82906305#zoom=5.1&lat=9761&lon=13302&layers=BT

[AlanBoyd]

The first newspaper mention for “Avonside Inn” is in 1988.

[Doddie]

Thank you for the prompt replies. Much appreciated. Alan, here’s a strange thing. I have come across the name Avonside Inn. As far as I can ascertain this pub is now called the Avonbridge Inn. I’ve seen a gphoto of it and that is what it says on the front of the building. I think it is a recent change of name. I will try to send the photo by attachment. I would appreciate any opinions of the building’s age. My girlfriend’s connection to the pub has a that her g. grandfather was a barman at a pub in Avonbridge and he also lived there with his wife and family.

Regards

Doddie

[AlanBoyd]

Most of the evidence that I have found so far relates to the Bridgehill Inn.

I have seen one newspaper ref in 1892 to the Avonbridge Inn, but unfortunately no mention of the innkeeper.

Trade directories from 1893 and from 1921 both mention a single sprits dealer in Avonbridge, John Ponton in 1893 and David Adams in 1921. Unfortunately no names of establishments are given.

John Ponton was definitely at the Bridgehill Inn at that time, but I haven’t managed to tie down David Adams yet.

[AlanBoyd]

In 1895 the proprietor of the Bridgehill Inn was Dan. Stewart, hotel keeper, South Queensferry, occupier John Ponton
In 1905 John Ponton was proprietor and occupier.

14 October 1903 Newspaper: Falkirk Herald
has, under Stirlingshire, new license applications, new premises

John Wilson, grocer, Avonbridge, Slamannan, Public-House, Applicant & Proprietor

Then in November the same year he was fined for selling watered-down whisky, so it seems he did get the license.

At this time John Ponton was definitely at the Bridgehill Inn, so I think we can rule that establishment out, if the John Wilson connection is a firm one.

[AlanBoyd]

23 April 1904: Bridge of Allan Gazette

[Doddie]

Hi Alan, yes the John Wilson connection is solid. My girlfriend's g. grandfather is mentioned in a newspaper article from 1909. It refers to him working at a pub in Avonbridge owned by John Wilson. Alas, the name of the pub is not mentioned.

Regards

Doddie