The Stanley Arms – West Street

The Stanley Arms was situated in West Street, on the right hand side coming from Marygate. Rather than a public house, it was listed as a beer house and it was certainly in existence by the 1890s.

Here’s a general timeline of information found about its life as a pub and beyond using the online newspapers on FindmyPast:

August 1891 – The landlord was a woman according to this article about Walter Scott, commonly known as “Hawick Watty”, a street singer (1)

December 1895 - The licence transferred to Michael Curran

Nov 1896 – The license for the premises was passed to John Joseph Cavanagh.

March 1904 – John Cavanagh dies, aged 45. He was a member of Berwick Rifles and had worked for the Post Office.  The license was passed to his mother, Catherine Cavanagh.  

June 1904 – Catherine Cavanagh was charged with allowing drunkenness on her premises. One of the people found there was her son, James.  – Illustrated Berwick Journal 23 June 1904 (2)

1911 Census – Henry Gibson,  aged 34 listed as the licensed victualler

1921 Census – Henry Gibson, aged 44 listed as the barman at the Stanley Arms. He was employed by Border Breweries Ltd.

August 1931 – Charles Stammas from Stepney becomes the licensee

January 1932  – Death of Balaclava Charles Stammas – he had only been the licensee for a short time having retired from the Metropolitan Police. Illustrated Berwick Journal – 7 Jan. 1932 (3)

December 1932 – Mr Andrew Grey becomes the landlord

August 1935 – a case against Andrew Grae for selling liquor at the Stanley Arms after hours was dismissed – article Berwick Advertiser 22 Aug. 1935 (5)

November 1947– Death of Andrew Grey announced in the newspaper. License taken over by his wife, Ada.   13 Nov. Berwick Advertiser, 13 Nov 1947. (4)

1952 – Stanley Arms closes and Ada Grey transfers to the Rose and Thistle.

 1952 – Stanley Arms,  last beer house in Berwick closed

March 1953 – premises put up for sale  - article Berwickshire News 17 March 1953 (5)

April 1957 – the site was sold and considered as site for wash and brush up shop and public convenience. The plan was controversial and withdrawn - Berwick Advertiser, 11th April 1957 (6)

Later in 1957 - The shop was taken over by Dampney who moved there form 36 West Street. They sold paint ands wallpaper. (7)

The premises are now occupied by the Puddles gift shop.

(1) - Berwick Journal, 6th August 1891