NOTE :- Some of this information may relate to LOCK LANE as this was classed as ALLERTON BYWATER – pubs such as The Griffin – Navigation Inn – Lord Nelson – Junction – are all listed as Allerton Bywater. Some calculated assumptions therefore, have been made as to the premises.
THE BUTCHERS ARMS
AS THE INTRODUCTION EXPLAINS, THIS CURIOUS JOURNEY BEGAN WITH THE DISCOVERY OF THE BUTCHER’S ARMS LOCATED IN ALLERTON BYWATER
Beerhouses were a type of British drinking establishment created by the Beerhouse Act 1830 to encourage beer consumption over spirits. By allowing anyone paying rates to buy a cheap licence for two guineas, it sparked a boom, with 45,500 licenses issued by 1841. They were often converted private homes, initially enabling a competitive “free market” for beer.
Beer and Innhouse Keepers
1841 CENSUS
Thomas Jackson
Joseph Ashton
William Pearson
1851 CENSUS
Thomas Watson
Mary Ann Pearson
1861 CENSUS
Samuel Atkinson
Edwin Brook
William Ashton?
Thomas Watson
William Pearson
1871 CENSUS
THE BUTCHERS ARMS APPEARS ON THE CENSUS OF 1871 and other recognisable names begin to appear.
Thomas Hutchinson – Anchor Inn
Samuel Atkinson – Angel Inn
Thomas Watson – Boat Inn
John Cheesborough – Butchers Arms – John Cheesborough, Wife Mary and Mary their daughter, also appear on the 1861 CENSUS, probably the same place.
Notably, he is also a Butcher– could this have influenced the name ?
1878 – Electoral Registers The Mitchell Brothers, Benjamin, John and William have a share in the Butchers Arms
The Mitchell Brothers are from Castleford and own the Malt Kiln Brewery in Whitwood Mere.
They also have a sister Eliza Mitchell, who marries William Pickersgill, another brewer from Pontefract ( see The VICTORIA Inn )
NOTE – it is not surprising to find :- All these Mitchells are born in Bentley`s Brewery Buildings, Woodlesford where their father is a Master Brewer.
1881 CENSUS
The Inn Keeper at The Butchers Arms has Changed and it appears, the Mitchell Brothers, have had an influence on its residence — “ Mitchells Buildings “ – is this purely a name change, has it moved, are these NEW BUILT PREMISES? at this time it is unsure. MAYBE LATER it will be solved. However, it does appear that the Mitchell Family are quite affluent and influential ?
Henry Webster
Rhodes Steele
John Atkinson
Samuel Atkinson
1886 – Electoral Registers John Mitchell is still a shareholder in The Butchers Arms. Now living in Ledsham
1891 CENSUS and Electoral Registers.
Richard Cheeseborough is the Beerhouse keeper of the Butchers Arms on Main Street, Allerton Bywater. — Beerhouse Keeper.
On the Electoral Registers, he also has an address at Pickersgill Cottages ( Butchers Arms Inn and Pickersgill Cottages )
1894 Electoral Registers
On the electoral register of 1894 – Richard Cheeseborough is still at the Butcher’s Arms
1896 – Electoral Registers
Richard Cheeseborough the Butcher’s Arms Inn
1898 Electoral Registers
Arthur Robinson is the occupant of Butcher’s Arms.
1901 CENSUS
In the 1901 Census Arthur Robinson has moved to the Victoria Hotel established in 1898, he was probably the first landlord here.
1901 LICENSING ACT
1901 to 1902
On the 3rd of August 1901 Samuel and Mary Robinson have taken over as Licencees of the VICTORIA HOTEL and once again the Mitchell Family appear.
Eliza Mitchell has married William Pickersgill, a brewer from Pontefract and is now registered as the owner of the VICTOTIA HOTEL
Continue the STORY in VICTORIA HOTEL ARTICLE
WHAT BECAME OF THE BUTCHERS ARMS?
This research has found no further information at this time.
It has to be assumed that as the PUBs and CLUBs manifested, the BEERHOUSEs met their demise and were resigned to history.
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NOTE :- Limited information during this period is vague, it was gathered from available sources and local knowledge and recollection. Some calculated assumptions have been made.
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( please contact if you have any proven information the following web site )
Allerton Bowers History
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Note: This report is an open historical documentary based on the most current and comprehensive sources available as of April 2026. Further research, particularly in local archives and through community engagement, may yield additional information and insights.
Readers and researchers are encouraged to contribute `proven` new findings to the ongoing documentation of the BUTCHERS ARMS history.
Authors
