|
Related Links:
Avoncliff Website
History of the hamlett from the Avoncliff website
Canal History
The history of the Kennet and Avon canal from the Canal Trust website
Local Book on Avoncliff:
Offical Book Website
|
|
The History of the Cross Guns
Part 2 - 20th Century and Beyond
In 1914, whilst the canal was still commercially active, The Cross Guns was acquired by Usher’s Brewery. The local mills and factory were still hard at work and although the surrounding quarries had closed a decade earlier, there was a sizeable workforce of thirsty stonemasons employed at the stone yard beyond the canal aqueduct. In this period also, the patients of the Red Cross hospital at Avoncliff assisted their recuperation with bottles of Usher’s Stout from the pub, much to the annoyance of Matron!
The Cross Guns, circa 1920
During the Second World War the wealth of both the Queen and the Cross Guns’ landlord were assured. With nearby Westwood Quarry housing the Royal Enfield factory and being used to store the Crown Jewels as well as other national treasures, an influx of factory workers and museum personnel would often call in to sample the pub-brewed ale and keep the coffers full. Of course, American servicemen returning to their Westwood Camp after some much-needed practice at the rifle range would also call in to enjoy the British beer and hospitality!
By the early 1960’s, the Mills were derelict and the canal was dry and in disrepair. The war-time immigrant workers and servicemen had drifted away, the stoneyard was closed and trade at the pub continued to decline throughout the decade. Usher’s considered the pub to be commercially unviable and thus sold The Cross Guns to a private landlord in the late 1960’s.
Over the last forty years the Cross Guns has seen a number of different licensees’ names above its door. It was purchased by Ken and Jenny Roberts in 1999 and still remains a family-owned and run Free House.
As we enter the 21st Century, this idyllic 17th Century pub is yet again experiencing a high profile and popularity. As more and more people discover this exclusive location, it is our privilege and responsibility to sensitively restore, and thereby enhance it, for future generations to enjoy. In the spring of 2004, a sympathetic programme of restoration work began to renovate the front elevations of The Cross Guns. The building is architecturally interesting rather than classic in design, and much enthusiasm has greeted the re-emergence of the mellow Cotswold stone. More information on the restoration is avaliable here.
The reopening of the Kennet and Avon Canal not only benefits the tourism and leisure industry, but has recreated a diverse community of traditional craftsmen and permanent narrowboat dwellers. This “linear village” yet again channels a fascinating group of customers to The Cross Guns, and makes Avoncliff a vital port of call for messages, packages and essential liquid provisions!
“Avoncliff is enjoying a new lease of life and the hamlet is probably busier and more
prosperous than it has ever been” (N. McCanley, 2004)
|
