The Watering Holes of Wivenhoe

Wivenhoe in 1896 had some 21 pubs. Only seven six of these now remain as licensed premises today. The following list of the pubs and their landlords in 1896 is taken from the board of the history of Wivenhoe pubs in The Black Buoy, with three additions giving a total of 24 premises that have been hotels, pubs or beer houses.

Updates in 2020:

  • St Georges Tavern re-read as St Georges Terrace in 1891 census;
  • Sailor's Return relocated to Harding's Yard;
  • Comments added to The Bull and Trowel & Hammer;
  • Some more recent photos added.
Wivenhoe History Group

The Wivenhoe History Group has further information on the 21 pubs, as well as general history of the Town and its residents. I am also grateful to them for the use of some of the pictures and information on the detail pages for the pubs.

Whilst clearing out bookshelves at home I came across a 1965 book entitled "East Anglian Pubs" by Vincent Jones. The entry for Wivenhoe has only one entry, for the Brewery Tavern. This makes interesting reading, particularly the entry for 'special drinks'!

The entry is reproduced on the details page for The Brewery Tavern.

I have now donated the book to the shelf in the Black Buoy, where it still was when last checked, if anyone is interested in the other entries or the list of 1960s breweries.


CLICK ON THE PHOTOS FOR INFORMATION ON EACH PUB


There are no doubt errors and omissions in some of the details. If anyone has more information, particularly on the 'mystery' pubs of Trowel and Hammer or Bunch of Grapes, please get in touch via the contact link.
The Flag
The Flag
formerly The Union Flag
Still a pub - at the north end of the town. 2020 - closed for refurbishment.
Grosvenor Hotel
Grosvenor Hotel
C Horne
Now shops and offices on the corner of High St and Station Rd.
The Falcon
The Falcon
T Suckling
Now a private house next to St Mary's Church.
The Greyhound
The Greyhound
Joseph Brown
Still a pub, on the High Street opposite King George Field.
The Anchor
The Anchor
W Martin
Now a private house on the Quay.
The Black Buoy
The Black Buoy
Thomas Goodwin
Still a pub, on Black Buoy Hill behind the church.
The Station
The Railway Hotel
Thomas Goodwin
Now named The Station, surprisingly located next to the railway station!
The Shipwrights
The Shipwright's Arms
A Doubleday
Was in West Street, now demolished, name preserved in the new road name.
The Park Hotel
The Park Hotel
Edward Cook
At the junction of High Street and Belle Vue Road. Now an Estate Agent.
The Ship at Launch
The Ship at Launch
William Powell [1810-13]
South end of Bath Street near the junction with The Quay. Now demolished.
The Lion
The Lion [Red Lion]
George Bartlett
Corner of High Street and West Street, the rear part of the building is named Red Lion Cottage.
Live and Let Live
Live and Let Live
D Welham
Junction of Alma Street and Brook Street. Now a house offering Bed and Breakfast.
The Sailor's Return
Sailor's Return
Mrs Nevard
Riverside end of the converted Harding's Yard / Colne Marine.
Anglesey Arms
Anglesey Arms
C. Gardner
Now a private house in Queens Road.
Brewery Tavern
Brewery Tavern
T. Anderson
Corner of Brook Street and Paget Road. Now demolished.
The Horse and Groom
The Horse and Groom
Tom Nevard
At the junction of The Cross, Rectory Road and Colchester Road. Still a pub.
The Beehive
The Beehive
Charles Hadley
In Rectory Road opposite the Horse and Groom at The Cross. Now a private house.
The Rose and Crown
The Rose and Crown
Jane Gardener
The 'chocolate box' pub on the Quay, featured in many pictures of Wivenhoe. The last pub remaining of the previous five on the quay.
Yachtsman's Arms
The Yachtsman's Arms
A. Rudland
Junction of Anglesea Road and Brook Street. Now a private house renamed Broadway House.
Yachter's Arms
The Yachter's Arms
William Cole
On the High Street just above the railway bridge. Now the village's Indian restaurant.
The Bull
The Bull [Trowell & Hammer]
Ann Oakley
Corner of Anchor Hill and High Street. Currently [2020] a private house.
The Swan
The White Swan
[Maidenhead or Swan]
On The Quay, now a private house.
The Bunch of Grapes
The Grapes
In the High Street. This 17th century building was a pub and brewhouse. Now a restaurant and house.
The Sun
The Sun
1796 William Cole
A pub behind the Black Buoy on Brook Street where the car park entrance now is.