RIFLEMAN INN, Water Street

RIFLEMAN INN   #

Variouly as 8, 10, 11, 13, Water Street

- later incorporated as the lower part of Manchester Road - 

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MINE HOSTS:

1806                      Mr. Stuart

1809                      John Brazendale

1812 - 19               William Roberts   -   wife died 23.8.1819

1824                      Edward Jones  -  see notes at 27th March 1824, below. 

1828 - 29              William Burnett (Bennett)

1841                      William Carr

1851                      David Graham   d. 25.6.1851 aged 26 years (Coachmaker)

1852                      John Hinde   d. 7.6.1852 aged 54 years.             

1852 - 54               Mary Hind(e),  (Mary Hide)

1854 - 56               John Smith      

1857                      James Howarth

1860                      Mrs. Mellor

1861 - 66               Daniel Meller (Mellor)

1866                      George Cook

1867                      Ralph Spencer

1869                      George Smith

1870 - 71              Joseph Pitcher

1871                     James Pitcher(s)  -  could be the same man as above.

1873 - 85              John Smith      d. 1.5.1899 at the New Inn, Queen Street.

1885 - 87              Joshua Yates

1887 - 88              Joseph Barton Fishwick

1888                     Albert Jones

1889                     Tom Wright

1889                     William Porter

1889                     James Monks

1890 - 91             Charles Warriner

1891 - 92             William Moorman

1892                    James Edward Bilsborough

1893 - 94             William Harrison

1894 - 97             Henry Garstang

1898                    George Collins

1898 - 99             Nathan Birchall  (Given as Bashall in LEP 26.9.1899 article)

1900                    Richard Brade

1901                    Samuel Dickinson    - went to the Woolpack Inn, Back Lane.

1901 - 06             Ernest Coward - Owned by: Bentley's Yorkshire Breweries, Woodlesfield, Leeds.

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Lancaster Gazette  16th September 1809

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TO  BE  SOLD  BY  AUCTION

IN  LOTS

TO  THE  BEST  BIDDER

On Monday the 25th day of September, 1809, at eleven o'clock in the forenoon, at the BULL INN, in Preston, in the County of Lancaster.

ALL THAT MESSUAGE or DWELLINGHOUSE, with the 

outbuildings and appurtenances thereunto belonging, situate in Water Street, in Preston,

aforesaid, now occupied as an INN or PUBLIC-HOUSE, known by the sign of THE 

RIFLEMAN, and now in the possession of John Brazendale, as tenant thereof.

The above premises are held for the residue of a term of 999 years, subject to a small ground 

rent payable to Thomas Starkie, of Frenchwood, Esq.,

For further particulars apply at the Sheriff's Office in Preston.

LANCASTER GAZETTE    16th September 1809

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DEATH:  On Monday last, Mrs. Roberts, 

wife of Mr. Roberts, Rifleman Inn public-house, Preston

Lancaster Gazette  28th August 1819

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I can add a name to your list of Mine Hosts for the Rifleman Inn, with Edward Jones. His wife Ellen died on 21 Jan 1824 

and was buried the same day in St Wilfrid's Cemetery. A death notice was published in the Lancaster Gazette on Saturday,

 24 Jan 1824: "On Wednesday last, Mrs. Jones, wife of Mr. Edward Jones, of the Rifleman public-house, Preston."

Edward Jones wasted no time in taking a new wife. He married Mary Jones, a spinster, on 24 Mar 1824 at St John's Church in Preston: "MARRIED...On Wednesday, Mr. Edward Jones, of the Rifleman public-house, to Miss Mary Jones;". 

 Lancaster Gazette on Saturday, 27 Mar 1824 

Thanks to Glenn Swarbrick for this interesting additional information.

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Preston Chronicle 31st October 1840

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Preston Chronicle  10th July 1841

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FISHWICK MILLS

On Saturday 20th November 1852, a number

of workmen in the employ of Messrs Swainson,

Birley & Co., met at the house of Mrs. Hind,

RIFLEMAN INN, Water Street, where an

excellent dinner was served.

Mr. Isherwood, Overlooker, in the Chair.

Preston Chronicle  27th November 1852

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Mr. Penny, Coach-builder, anxious to perpetuate

the good old English Custom of regaling those in

his employ at this usually festive season of the year,

and likewise to strengthen, if possible, the good

feeling existing between himself and his work people,

on Monday evening 26th December, met the whole of 

his men at the RIFLEMAN INN, Water Street, 

where a most excellent supper was provided for them 

by Mrs. Hind.

Preston Chronicle  31st December 1853

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SALE BY AUCTION

TO PUBLICANS, BEERSELLERS, AND OTHERS

MR. H.P.WATSON announces that he will SELL BY 

AUCTION, at the RIFLEMAN INN, Water Street,

Preston, on Tuesday next, June 29th.

The Whole of the HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE,

FIXTURES, and STOCK-IN-TRADE of an innkeeper.

For particulars see posters.

The HOUSE TO BE LET, 

with or without a portion of the stock.

Apply to the Auctioneer.

Preston Chronicle 26th June 1858

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Preston Chronicle  24th March 1860

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THE RESULT OF INTOXICATION

Last night, a prostitute named Jane Overhand,

who has only one arm, and is a notorious

character in the town, accidentally broke her

left leg by falling down the stairs facing the house

door, at the Rifleman Inn, Water Street, whilst in

a beastly state of intoxication. The services of

Mr. E. Moore, Surgeon, were called into

requisition, and he, after examining her injuries,

had her removed to the House of Recovery.

Preston Chronicle 5th February 1862

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Preston Chronicle 11th June 1862

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Preston Chronicle  2nd July 1864

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Preston Chronicle  6th May 1865

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Preston Chronicle  6th May 1865

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Preston Chronicle 3rd March 1866

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ASSAULTING A POLICEMAN

At the Police Court on Thursday, a man named

Joseph Alston, was charged with having assaulted

P.C. Brindle. The policeman said that he had been

called to the Rifleman Inn, Water Street, at about

half-past twelve that morning, where he found the

prisoner kicking up a great row. Brindle requested

him to be quiet, but he refused to do so, and struck

the officer in the face. Fined 10s and costs - in

default 14 days imprisonment.

Preston Chronicle 12th May 1866

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THEFT:  Samuel Greenhalgh was charged with stealing a flannel petticoat and one stocking, value 5s., the property of Elizabeth Cook, of the Rifleman Inn, Water Street.  The articles were stolen from a clothes line in the yard of the inn on the 26th July, and the petticoat had been sold to Elizabeth Pearson, of Ousby Street, for 3s. The prisoner was committed for trial.

Preston Herald   29th September 1866

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TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION

On 24th May 1870

LOT 2.     ALL that INN or PUBLIC HOUSE, situate

in Water Street, in Preston, known by the name or sign 

of the "RIFLEMAN INN," now in the occupation of

James PATCHERS, together with the adjoining

dwelling-house and shop, numbered 14, and in the 

occupation of Mr. John Worden.

This lot is leasehold, and will be sold for the residue 

of a term of 999 years, and subject to the yearly 

Ground Rent of £3. 5. 4d.

Preston Chronicle  7th May 1870

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Preston Chronicle 8th April 1871

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Preston Herald   27th May 1871

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Preston Chronicle  10th June 1871

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Preston Chronicle  10th June 1871

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At Preston Quarter Sessions, concluded on Saturday, George Gregson and Martin Battle were charged with stealing a watch and guard on the 13th inst. from Robert Ratcliffe; and Robert Brown and James Pitchers and wife, of the Rifleman Inn, Water Street, Preston, were indicted for feloniously receiving the same.

Ratcliffe and the first two named prisoners were drinking together at the Woolpack Inn, Preston, when he (Ratcliffe) was going home at mid-night he was knocked down and robbed of his watch and guard, which was afterwards traced to Pitchers and his wife, both of whom at first denied all knowledge of them.

Policeman Cunningham, however, was taking Mrs. Pitchers into custody, when her husband ran upstairs and fetched down the watch, and some time afterwards he gave up the guard.

It was proved that Gregson and Battle were the thieves, and that they handed the watch and guard to Brown for sale in the first instance. Brown, an old offender, was sentenced to five years penal servitude; Gregson and Battle to two years imprisonment each; and Pitchers and his wife to three months imprisonment each.

Soulby's Ulverston Advertiser   26th October 1871

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A farm servant from Leyland appeared in court

to prosecute two "ladies of easy virtue" for having

robbed him of £4. 15s.

On Saturday evening last, the complainant came to

 town, and in the course of his peregrinations, he arrived

in the "delightful" neighbourhood of Water Street.

After wandering about for some time he ultimately

dropped into the Rifleman Inn...................

Preston Chronicle 23rd October 1875

I include this just so you can get a 'feel' for the district.

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North Briton  25th December 1875

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Yorkshire Post  12th September 1888

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A Blackburn Publican Fallen Among Thieves

At Preston Police Court this morning, Mary Cogan, a woman of ill-fame, was charged with stealing a silver watch and £2. 3s. in money, together to the value of £6 18s., the property of James Foster, landlord of the Lamb and Lion public house, Grimshaw Park, Blackburn.

Mr. Willan prosecuted, and asked for a remand of a week.

The prisoner and other women were in the vaults of the Rifleman Inn, Water Street, on Saturday night, and the prosecutor with a companion named Aspin was also there, having called to see the landlord, who was a personal friend.

The prosecutor, having occasion to go into the back yard, was followed by the prisoner and two of her colleagues; he was seized, and his pockets were rifled. The prisoner handed something to one of her companions, who both escaped, and then she accompanied the prosecutor and Aspin, who had been called by the prosecutor to his assistance, into the house.

There it was ascertained that Foster had lost both his watch and his money. The watch was subsequently discovered lying some distance from the beerhouse, having, as the prosecutor suggested, been thrown there by the prisoner's confederates.

The prisoner herself was given into the custody of P.C. Sutton. The remand was granted. Margt. Shaughnessy was also placed in the dock for complicity in the offence, but, Mr. Willan offering no evidence against her, she was discharged.

Lancashire Evening Post   3rd December 1888

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Preston Chronicle  14th  March 1891

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CASES REMANDED:  Alfred Whitworth (28) charged with breaking and entering the lock-up tobacco shop in Garstang Road, occuoied by William Cocks, and stealing articles to the value of £20, was remanded again until Friday.

William Moorman, landlord of the Rifleman Inn, Water Street, was charged with having received stolen property from the person of Whitworth, consisting of 9lbs of tobacco knowing it to be stolen property. Moorman was remanded until Friday.

Preston Herald   14th October 1891

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Manchester Times  23rd October 1891

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 Preston Chronicle   24th October 1891

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AMONG THE PHILISTINES

Margaret O'Brien and Margaret Shaughnessy, unfortunates, were charged with stealing the sum of £3.10s from the person of William Southworth, butcher, residing at Thornton, near Blackpool, on Saturday night. Mr. Blackhurst defended.

Mr. Whiteside prosecuted, and stated that the prosecutor came to Preston on Saturday afternoon. About seven o'clock in the evening he went into the Rifleman Inn, Water Street,  and in the vault met the two prisoners. At their request he paid for "glasses round," and they afterwards got him to leave the Rifleman Inn and go to the Arkwright Arms, which they said would be a much quieter and more comfortable place.

On getting there the prosecutor paid for more drink, and after a while O'Brien asked  the prosecutor to go into another room with her. He went with her, and she closed the door after them. The prosecutor then pulled his money out of his pocket and placed it on the table, in order that, as he said, he would not be robbed. After being together for a while he felt O'Brien put her hand into his watch pocket, which contained two sovereigns and three half-sovereigns.

Shaughnessy then came to the door, but O'Brien told her to get out.

The prosecutor said, "You have been trying to rob me," and pulled the money out of his pocket  and began to count it in his hand. O'Brien gave his hand a knock, and the money was scattered over the floor. Shaughnessy then rushed in, and a scramble took place for the money, the prisoners getting £3. 10s.

The prosecutor called for the landlord, and prevented the prisoners leaving the room. The landlord sent for a constable, who took the prisoners into custody. The prosecutor was then called, and bore out the above statements. The prisoners were remanded for a week.

Preston Herald   2nd December 1891

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Preston Herald  20th February 1892

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Preston Chronicle 5th March 1892

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Lancashire Evening Post  18th March 1892

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THE RIFLEMAN INN LICENCE

Mr. Blackhurst applied on behalf of Mr. James

Edward Bilsborrow for the transfer of the licence

of the Rifleman Inn, Water Street, from Mr. William

Moorman.

A previous application had been objected to because

of an internal communication with the lodging house

next door. The passage had now been built up, so

that there could be no objection on that ground.

Licence granted.

Preston Chronicle  26th March 1892

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Northern Daily Telegraph  13th April 1892

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Preston Herald   3rd May 1899

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Lancashire Evening Post  26th September 1899

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CENSUS RETURNS

1841

William Carr                      55 years                     Innkeeper

Ann Carr                            52                                Wife

Margaret Carr                   20                                Daughter

1851

David Graham                   26 years                     Innkeeper                       b. Preston

Margaret Graham              22                              Wife                                       do

Alice Graham                     3                                Daughter                                do

Robert Graham                  5 months                     Son                                       do

1861

Daniel Mellor                   38 years                      Lic. Vict.                        b. Duxbury

Frances Mellor                 39                                Wife                              b. Coppull

Margaret Alice Mellor       4                                Daughter                        b. Chorley

Sarah Mellor                     2                                Daughter                        b. Preston

David Daniel Mellor          5 months                    Son                                         do

Margaret Mellor               67                               Visitor                             b. Penwortham

Margaret Higham             49                               Servant                            b. Preston

1871

James Pitcher                  35 years             Beerhouse Keeper            b. Great Yarmouth

Elizabeth Pitcher              33                               Wife                               b. Blackburn

John James Pitcher           5                                 Son                                b. Preston

Mary Elizabeth Pitcher     4                                 Daughter                                  do

William Henry Pitcher      8 months                      Son                                         do

1881

John Smith                      55 years                       Innkeeper                       b. Preston

Margaret Smith               50                                Wife                               b. Milnethorpe

Jane Smith                      26                                 Daughter                        b. Preston

Alice Smith                     20                                 Daughter                                 do

Sarah Smith                     7                                  Daughter                                 do

1891

Charles Warriner            27 years                        Lic. Vict.                        b. Preston

Jane Warriner                 30                                 Wife                                        do

Elizabeth Warriner          12                                  Daughter                                 do

Charles Warriner             4                                  Son                                          do

Joseph Warriner              3                                  Son                                          do

Matilda Warriner             1                                  Daughter                                   do

1901

Samuel Dickinson          35 years                         Lic. Vict.                        b. Skipton

Martha Dickinson          32                                  Wife                               b. Preston

Thomas Dickinson         13                                  Son                                         do

Samuel Dickinson          11                                  Son                                         do

Gertrude Dickinson       10                                   Daughter                                 do

William Dickinson           7                                   Son                                         do

John Dickinson               4                                   Son                                         do

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