Updated August 2022
Compiled from adverts, censuses, court cases, property records, and more. Original source spellings retained.
©Marlow Ancestors.
This was "a very old inn" when it was knocked down and rebuilt in 1897. Not to be confused with the Blacksmiths Arms at Well End near Little Marlow (post about that one here)
The pub was used many times to hold Coroner's Inquests.
1843 - Joseph Earis (An Earis family were at the Blue Flag, Handy Cross 1833 which also operated as a shoeing forge - the two premises exist at the same time so this two different businesses in separate premises and not just a name change for the pub) NOTE: Earis can also be rendered as Ayris and later Ayres / Eyres. For more on infamous blacksmith burglar James Ayris / Ayres of Handy Cross see here
1847 - Joseph Earise. In 1850 Joseph Aris/Earis of Handy Cross, beer-seller is fined for keeping his premises open during the hours of divine service on a Sunday afternoon. Joseph says that while there were people on the premises at the time, he hadn't drawn beer after the 3pm cut off. Unfortunately this isn't enough to escape punishment as the beer-shop is supposed to be emptied too. He does however receive a reduced fine (22s including costs) as he states he is going to give up beer selling shortly.
1853- 96 Charles Augustus Rixon who also operated as a blacksmith. By 1894 the premises were being managed by his daughter Ada Emma Rixon on a day to day basis. In 1857 Charles and his wife were beaten up and their premises vandalised by a group of people from High Wycombe for unknown reasons. The "riot" involved the group trashing the premises up and down, breaking even the window frames.
1896-97 Frederick W Lyell. Wife Dorothy also served behind the bar. Frederick was formerly a police officer in High Wycombe.
1897- Gilbert Ferguson. Inn knocked down and rebuilt as larger premises with 6 bedrooms. Intended to function as small hotel [South Bucks Standard December 3rd 1897].
1899- William Johnson
1899-1900 Alfred Dunnett
1900- 1908 George Lavender. Wife Barbara.
1908-09 Owen Herbert. Ran a Slate Club on the premises.
1909- Arthur Davis
1910- George E Coles (holdover). 2. William Thomas Kimber. 3. Edgar Cole.
1915 - John Harper
1920 - William Dunham
1939 Ralph Standage
At Handy Cross. Address sometimes given as Wycombe Road.
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