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At Bury Hill End(1830 & 1881 census) *** This pub closed and was demolished during the 1960s. **
Chesham pub history index
Directory of Pubs in the UK, historical public houses, Taverns, Inns, Beer Houses and Hotels in Buckinghamshire. The Buckinghamshire listing uses information from census, Trade Directories and History to add licensees, bar staff, Lodgers and Visitors.
Residents at this address
1789/Mrs Grigg / Victualler /../../Sun Fire Office records, held at London
Metropolitan Archives **
1792/Grigg / Victualler /../../Sun Fire Office records, held at London
Metropolitan Archives **
1830/Jos Horwood/../../../Pigots Directory ***
1839/Edmund Page/../../../Robsons Directory ***
1844/Edmund Page/../../../Pigot’s Directory **
1852/William Page/../../../Slaters Directory ***
1863/Henry Harrison/../../../Duttons Directory ***
1864/Henry Harrison / & Colt Breaker /../../Post Office Directory **
Uxbridge & W. Drayton Gazette, Saturday 9th November 1878 *
DEATH OF A VETERAN – We have this week to record the death of Mr. Henry
Keets, landlord of the Blue Ball, Blucher Street, who has not long been a
resident in the town, but who since his coming has been respected by a
considerable circle of friends. He was formerly in the 2nd Battalion of the
4th (King’s Own) Regiment. He had been 22 years in the army, during which
time he served in the Crimea, the 2 medals for which he wore, and also
through the Indian Mutiny, for which he also obtained a medal. He not only
received the medals, but during those campaigns he came in for several
wounds, although not of a sufficiently serious nature to prevent his serving
his country till he completed the 22nd year of service, when he was
discharged, receiving a medal for good conduct and long service, together
with a goodly pension, he being at the time of his discharge a full
sergeant. About a week previous to his death he had been to bury his mother,
and it is supposed he took cold, which brought on inflammation of the lungs,
to which he succumbed on the 30th October, at the age of 46 years.
1881/Rebecca Keats/Beer House Keeper, Widow/41/London, Surrey/Census
1881/Alice C Keats/Daughter/9/London, Surrey/Census
1881/Henry C Keats/Son/7/London, Surrey/Census
1881/Charles Keats/Son/4/Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire/Census
1881/Rosa Keats/Daughter/2/Chesham, Buckinghamshire/Census
1881/James Ware/Lodger, Labourer General/43/Chesham, Buckinghamshire/Census
1883/Henry Osborne/Blue Ball/../../Kellys Directory
Uxbridge & W. Drayton Gazette, Saturday 19th January 1884 *
CHARGE AGAINST A PUBLICAN.
Edward William Hambleton, of the Blue Ball, Blucher-street, Chesham, was
charged with permitting drunkenness on his premises on the 29th December
last.
Mr F. R. Spender, solicitor, Maidenhead, represented the defendant, and
pleaded not guilty.
From the evidence adduced it appeared that on the night in question P.C.
Shore visited the Blue Ball about 9.15 in the evening, when he saw in the
parlour of the house a woman named Burnett, and by her general appearance he
thought she was the worse for drink. There were two other women and Mrs.
Hambleton in the house at that time. A pewter quarter measure and three
small glasses were standing on the table, and contained liquor resembling
whiskey. About 10 minutes before 11 the same evening, Shore, in company with
P.C. Cook, again visited the house, when the woman Burnett was still in the
same room. She had a full glass of what he believed to be whiskey, and she
took it up and drank part of it. The landlord then entered the room, and
Shore said to him, “That woman is drunk,” to which defendant made no reply.
The woman got up, according to Shore’s evidence, and staggered across the
room, saying, “You little --; if you say I’m drunk I’ll smack your chops.”
Corroborative evidence having been given by P.C. Cook and another witness,
Mr Spender then addressed the Bench. He afterwards called the defendant,
from whose evidence it appeared that the woman was the wife of a cloth
hawker, who, with her husband, were lodging at the house. The defendant saw
her in the house between seven and eight o’clock, and during the evening he
noticed that she was the worse for drink; and he did not supply her with
anything except water afterwards. He filled a small glass with water and
held it to the tap of the whiskey barrel to deceive her. Evidence given by
the defendant’s wife was to the effect that the woman Barnett was in a
private apartment of the house from nine to eleven o’clock, during which
time witness was present, and did not notice that she was inebriated. She
did not supply her with any drink. She refused to draw any for her for the
reason that she did not want her to have any. A young woman named Rosa How
was in the same room from nine to about 11 o’clock, but did not notice
Burnett there till 10 o’clock. Burnett was very civil until the entrance of
the police-constable, when she had a few words. No drink was supplied to her
while the witness How was there. Burnett asked for whiskey, but the landlord
refused to supply her with any. Another witness named Fred. Howard said he
saw the woman in Blucher-street on the evening in question, and considered
her to be under the influence of drink.
The Chairman said that if there was a doubt in the case, in the natural
course of justice, the benefit of it must be given to the defendant. The
Bench though the case was weak and must dismiss it.
‘The Chesham Examiner, Amersham and Rickmandsworth Times.’ - Wednesday,
October 22, 1890.
The key part is “since I have kept the house, 5 years last July…” This means
that he started keeping the house in July 1885. *
This is the year that James Stone married Harriet Willmott in Battersea on
July 27th 1885. He lists himself as a publican aged 29 years of 23 John
street, son of Henry Stone, labourer. She is a spinster aged 25, of the same
address, daughter of Henry Willmott, a carman. It is very likely that it is
her sister who is a servant in the 1891 census. *
The Recent Accident near the “Blue Ball”
To the Editor of “The Chesham Examiner.” Dear Sir, Permit me a small space
in your paper to answer the complaint made to the Local Board at the last
meeting respecting the accident which occurred outside my house. It was an
accident which would not have happened if the gentleman from Aylesbury had
not been driving down Charteridge lane at such a rate that he could no pull
up when he saw a cart standing at the door. Indeed, he could not stop his
horse until he had gone some distance down the street, when he was informed
that the two little girls had been thrown out of the cart. There was 6ft 6in
of road for him to pass in, and Mr J Bridges, of Waterside, passed behind
him in that space, as did also a lady from St Leonards. Surely there might
have been room enough for him. This was the first accident that has happened
here since I have kept the house, 5 years last July (although it is a very
narrow road), and this might have been avoided if Mr Sear had driven with
ordinary carefulness. Then as to the horse and cart standing in front of the
house 8 hours, I must beg to correct that. I think anyone with common sense
would see that must be wrong. It would be the greater part of a day, and I
can safely say it has never occurred. – Trusting you will do me the favour
of insertising this, I am, yours faithfully, JAMES STONE. “Blue Bell,”
Chesham, Oct. 20. 1890. *
The birth registration of Nellie Victoria STONE, dated 23rd January 1888 for
a 14th December 1887 birth, lists the Blue Ball, Blucher Street, Chesham as
both the place of birth and also the residence of the informant, the Mother,
Harriett STONE formerly WILLMOTT. The father is listed as James Stone with
the profession Victualler. *
There are a number of other articles that show that he was resident in the
pub. The article dated Wednesday, August 13, 1890 is about George Fletcher,
of Wendover, who refused to quit licensed premises. As part of the
proceedings: “Harriet Stone said she was the wife of James Stone, the
landlord of the “Blue Ball”, Blucher Steet, Chesham. On July 19th, between 7
and 8 in the evening, Fletcher came into the house very drunk…” It also
later states: “Mr Stone could not be there that day, as he was ill in bed.
The defendant had made a disturbance in the house on other occasions.”. *
The family is shown to still be living at the pub on the 1891 census when
their address is given as 32 Blucher Street. The head of the house, James
STONE (35years old), a licenced victualler and corn dealer, is shown
alongside his wife, Harriett (30yrs), and their children; Ethel Minnie, aged
4 years; Nellie V, aged 3yrs; and Gertrude M, aged 1yr. One servant is
listed, Rosina Florence WILMOTT – aged 16, and is recorded as having general
duties. There are also 3 lodgers: James Allen WILLIAMS, a 62 year old
clockmaker; Joseph HARDING, a 64 year old horse dealer and Joseph HEALD, a
39 year old shoemaker. *
There is also a March 11th 1891 article where James STONE is one of a number
of defendants charged with allowing gambling to take place within his house.
They convicted all of the defendants and James was fined £3 and 20s. costs.
*
1891/James Stone, Blue Ball/../../Kellys Directory
1891/James Stone/Licensed Victualler & cord dealer/35/Chartridge,
Buckinghamshire/Census
1891/Harriet Stone/Wife/30/Clerkenwell, London/Census
1891/Ethel Minnie Stone/Daughter/4/Chesham, Buckinghamshire/Census
1891/Nellie V Stone/Daughter/3/Chesham, Buckinghamshire/Census
1891/Gertrude M Stone/Daughter/1/Chesham, Buckinghamshire/Census
1891/Rosina Florence Wilmott/General Servant/16/Wandsworth, Surrey/Census
+ Lodgers
The 1892, 1893, 1894 & 1895 Buckinghamshire County Council electoral
registers record a STONE, James at 32, Blucher Street, Chesham, a Dwelling
House and that the same address is the qualifying property. *
1899/James Stone/../../../Kellys Directory ***
In his will written on the 21st June 1899, James appointed his sister, Ann
Judge CULVERHOUSE, and her husband, Daniel CULVERHOUSE - a blacksmith, to be
the guardians of his infant children. He bequeathed them his business of a
Licensed Victualler and Corn Dealer and his stock in trade plant horse
carts, carriages and effects with the intentions that would allow them to
provide for his children. James died on the 23rd July and probate was
granted on the 7th September 1899. *
As reported in ‘The Chesham Examiner, Amersham and Rickmansworth Times’ on
Friday, 4th August 1899:
Licensing Business – At the Chesham Petty Sessions on Wednesday, - Mr Hubert
J. Wallington (Messrs Albin Hunt and Fourmy) appeared on behalf of the
executors of the late Mr James Stone, of the “Blue Ball,” Bluchor Street,
(Messrs John and Benjamin Stone) for a new license for that house under
section 14 of the Alehouse Act. 1828. – Granted. *
Then in the The Chesham Examiner on Friday, 22nd September 1899:
Licensing Business – At the Chesham Petty Sessions on Wednesday, the full
transfer of the license of the “Blue Ball.” Blucher street, from the
executors of the late James Stone to Daniel Culverhouse. *
The 1901 Census shows the children, now with Daniel and Ann CULVERHOUSE,
living at 34 Blucher Street. Daniel, aged 61, is listed as a publican,
working on his own account. In addition to the children named above, there
is also a 9 year old nephew, Harry. There was one visitor at the pub at the
time of the census, John Arum, a 37 year old involved in shoe work. (The
1891 Census shows Daniel and Ann on Charteridge Road with Daniel listed as a
Blacksmith. John STONE, another of Ann’s brothers, is living with them.) *
1903/Daniel Culverhouse, Blue Ball./../../Kellys Directory ***
Daniel died on the 23rd March 1903 without a will. The probate for the grant
of letters states that he was a widower and that his natural and living
daughter, Annie Elizabeth SOMMERVILLE, is his only living next of kin. I’m
not sure what happened at this point regarding either the children or the
Blue Ball. (I hope to be able to discover this as I continue my research.) *
Then again in the The Chesham Examiner on Friday, 8th May 1903:
Chesham Petty Sessions. Wednesday – before Mr J. W. Garette-Pegge (in the
chair), Mr D G Patterson and Mr G Webb. Licensing Business. Mr T B Fourmy
(Hunt and Fourmy), Chesham, applied for the transfer of the license of the
“Blue Ball” public house, Blutcher street, Chesham, from Mrs A. E.
Somerville, the administratrix of the will of Mr Daniel Culverhouse, to Mr R
Wells. The necessary documents were put in and proved, and the transfer
granted. *
Buckinghamshire Examiner, Friday 5th August 1904 - TRANSFER BUSINESS. *
Robert Wells also applied for the license of the “Blue Ball,”
Blucher-street, to be transferred to Frank Nicholson.
Buckinghamshire Examiner, Friday 9th June 1905 - A CIVIL ACTION AT SESSIONS.
– ALLEGED SHEEP WORRYING BY A TERRIER *
Frank Nicholson, licensee of the “Blue Ball” public-house, Blucher-street,
was summoned by Mr Daniel Puddephatt, farmer. This was what is termed a
“civil” action, the summons being taken out on account of Mr Nicholson’s dog
worrying Mr Puddephatt’s sheep, and the latter claimed £1 damges. The Act
under which the case was taken was an 1865 measure. … (I suspect this covers
anything that is useful.)
Buckinghamshire Examiner, Friday 4th October 1907 - A TROUBLESOME STRANGER *
Harry Dundridge was summoned for doing damage and for refusing to quit
licensed premises… Benjamin Batchelor, licensee of the “Blue Ball”
public-house, Blucher-street, said on Tuesday evening a man arrived and
called for beer. …
1907/Benjamin Batchelor/../../../Kellys Directory
Buckinghamshire Examiner, Friday 13th August 1909 - COTTAGERS’ GARDEN SHOW
AND SPORTS. *
… The catering for the general public was in the hands of Mr R. Melville, of
the “Blue Ball” public-house, Blucher-street, Chesham.
Buckinghamshire Examiner, Friday 14th October 1910 - ALLEGED TILL THEFT -The
First Case *
… Mrs. Melville, wife of Robert Melville, licensee of the “Blue Ball”
public-house, Blucher-street, Chesham, stated that… She… identified Franklin
an Vinson… Prisoners were then charged with attempting to steal certain
moneys, the property of Robert Melville.
1911/Thomas Barnes/../../../Kellys Directory
1915/Thomas G Barnes/../../../Kellys Directory
This comes from “A Salute to One of the Few: The Life of Flying Officer
Peter Cape BEAUCHAMP” by Simon St John Beer. I found this book available on
Google Books…
“For Margaret Hutton, the landlady of the ‘Blue Ball’, a large, old and in
its way, rather beautiful country pub at 34 Blucher Street, in Chesham, near
Amersham in the county of Buckingham, it has been a long night. Margaret’s
daughter Edith and her new husband Robert have lived at the ‘Blue Ball’
since they became Mr and Mrs St John almost a year ago. With this new dawn,
Edith and Robert’s lives have changed for ever, for they have become
parents. This for Edith is her first child. Robert already has a daughter,
Dorothy, from a previous marriage, his first wife having tragically died
young. On 25 May 1917, Robert and Edith are delighted to have been blessed
with a child, a healthy, noisy little boy, who shortly will be christened
Peter Cape Beauchamp St John.” *
Buckinghamshire Examiner, Friday 16th February 1923 - TRANSFERS *
Transfer was applied for of the licence of the “Blue Ball,” Blucher-street,
Chesham from Margaret Hutton to Cecil Henry Hutton, her son. Mr G. S. Scott
represented the parties. The transfer was granted.
1924/Cecil Hy Hutton/../../../Kellys Directory
1928/Cecil Hy Hutton/../../../Kellys Directory
Buckinghamshire Examiner, Friday 4th January 1929 - CHARGE OF SELLING LIQUOR
DURING NON-PERMITTED HOURS *
Cecil Henry Hutton, licensee of The “Blue Ball,” Blucher-street, Chesham,
was summonsed under the Licensing Act, 1921, Section A, for selling
intoxicating liquor during non-permitted hours to Ernest Reading and Arthur
Parslow, and the men named were summonsed for consuming intoxicating liquor
on licensed premises during non-permitted hours…
1931/Benj E Batchelor/../../../Kellys Directory
1935/Albert E Edlin/../../../Kellys Directory
Buckinghamshire Examiner, Friday 8th January 1937 - DEATH OF WIFE OF
LICENSEE *
We regret to record the death of the wife of a local licensee – Mrs Edlin,
wife of Mr A. E. Edlin, licensee of “The Blue Ball,” Blucher-street,
Chesham. The funeral was at Greenford Parish Church, Greenford on Tuesday…
1939/William George Welch/../../../Kellys Directory
Buckinghamshire Examiner, Friday 9th December 1960 - BLUCHER-ST WIDENING *
An alternative proposal by Benskin’s Breweries Ltd. for the redevelopment of
the site of The Blue Ball public house, in Blucher-street, Chesham, was
turned down by Chesham Council last week.
While the Health, Planning and Estates Committee reported that the only
permissible use would be for a shop and office, the Council accepted a
recommendation from the Public Works Committee that the Clerk be authorised
to request he district valuer to negotiate terms for the acquisition of this
property.
It was stated that a letter had been received from the County Clerk to the
effect that the County Highways Committee had agreed to co-operate with the
Chesham Council in acquiring the site.
The County would then buy the land required for the widening of
Blucher-street from Chesham Council.
Buckinghamshire Examiner, Friday 10th February 1961 - DRINKING UNDER AGE
WARNING *
In his report at Chesham Brewster Sessions on Wednesday, Superintendent L.
Strong said that there were 46 premises in the District comprising 27 Public
Houses, 12 Beer Houses “On” and 7 “Off” Licenses. This is a reduction of one
Public House, The Blue Ball, Blucher-street, Chesham, and two Beer Houses,
The Tap, High-street, and The Plough, Broad-street, which have ceased to
trade…
Buckinghamshire Examiner, Friday 1st December 1961 - CHAIRMAN REPORTS ON
TOWN HALL AND ONE-WAY PLAN *
… “We (the Chesham Society) like The Blue Ball and consider it part of the
make-up of Blucher-street,” said Mr Walker. “We fail to see that it will
make the road any safer if the road is widened at this point. If it is
widened, people will tend to speed down Chartridge-lane and the danger of
accidents will be increased. “We want Chartridge-lane one-way so that
traffic coming down will have to turn left along Bellingdon-road and round
into the High-street.”
Buckinghamshire Examiner, Friday 8th December 1967 *
…The picture above also concerns an old public house, but alas, this one is
being pulled down and not replaced. It is the “Blue Ball”, in Blucher
Street, which demolition men started tearing apart last week in the first
stages of the construction of St. Mary’s Way, Chesham’s relief road. The two
bottles on the bar were found in the pub, but nobody will be drinking from
them again, nor from the “Blue Ball”.
Buckinghamshire Examiner, Friday 12th January 1968 - FUTURE HAZARD *
Now that Nos. 27 and 29 Church Street have been demolished and Blucher
Street’s row of derelicts, including the “Blue Ball” public house, are
coming down, it is time to think what Chesham High Street will be like when
the new relief road (St. Mary’s Way) is complete in its first stage.
Even now, in wet or snowy weather, pedestrians get heavily splashed when
cars go through the High Street at anything faster than a crawl. Imagine
what will happen when only south bound traffic will be using the street: and
most of the unloading at shops is done from the service road on the east
side! Cars that now send mere ripples towards the kerb will usually be going
so much faster that they will put up a pretty good imitation of a
destroyer’s bow-wave…
* Provided By David Matthews Baker
** Provided By Stephen Harris
*** Provided By Colin Ager