a friend recently pointed out to me the partially visibile very old looking building next to Ernest Jones, and said it used to be a pub called Uncle Henry's, and before that the Captains cabin.
The path is all boarded up at the mo, I assume because of parkway?
An internet search bought up very little info on the building and or pubs that have been there, so I wondered if anyone had any pics or details of it. I know there was a fire at Ernest Jones, so was not sure if the pub itself was damaged at the same time - and perhaps remains unrepaired?
Is it as nice a looking building as it appears from the tiny glimpse I can see?
Is it vacant, I could see some things sat in the windows, but perhaps they have been there for years.
If it is vacant, when parkway opens, and footfall increases, migth we see it re-open....?
No, that is on the other side of the alleyway. (Your link is incomplete.)
If my memory serves me right, Uncle Henry's aka The Captain's Cabin was originally The Castle Inn, and was the tap for the Newbury Brewery, whose premises were a large building at the other end of the alleyway on the same side. It was destroyed by a fire a few years ago after standing empty for a long time.
I don't know if I have given the correct information but I know a man who will - don't I, Blackdog?!
No, that is on the other side of the alleyway. (Your link is incomplete.)
If my memory serves me right, Uncle Henry's aka The Captain's Cabin was originally The Castle Inn, and was the tap for the Newbury Brewery, whose premises were a large building at the other end of the alleyway on the same side. It was destroyed by a fire a few years ago after standing empty for a long time.
I don't know if I have given the correct information but I know a man who will - don't I, Blackdog?!
Yes I realise. But the OP states ' could see some things sat in the windows, but perhaps they have been there for years' which can't be so as the Pub was totally gutted. However, the oriel window on Jack O newbury's house is just visible & has stuff in it. .
Uncle Henry's followed The Captain's Cabin in the premises down Marsh Lane, behind Ernest Jones. Before that the whole building (including Ernest Jones) was the Castle (sometimes the Castle Inn of Castle Tap). I believe the Castle was first licensed in 1763.
As Brewmaster says it was the Tap for the Newbury Brewery Company which occupied all the land behind the pub and the other buildings from the Castle to what is now Cheltenham & Gloucester - which used to be the brewery owner's house. For many years the Baptist church was between that and the pub.
The large building that was used as a car wash pre-Parkway was a malthouse, between that and Marsh Road (later Park Way) were Smith's Cottages. Thomas Smith built cottages all over Newbury, uncluding Smith's Crescent aka Shaw Crescent. He also financed a couple of his sons-in-law when they took over the brewery.
Yes I realise. But the OP states ' could see some things sat in the windows, but perhaps they have been there for years' which can't be so as the Pub was totally gutted. However, the oriel window on Jack O newbury's house is just visible & has stuff in it. .
Apologies, I was given incorrect information then, or mis-interpreted it - so it would appear to be Jack O Newbury's house I am looking at (The other side of the boarded up alley from Ernest Jones) - what is that used for now then, as an office?
Uncle Henry's followed The Captain's Cabin in the premises down Marsh Lane, behind Ernest Jones. Before that the whole building (including Ernest Jones) was the Castle (sometimes the Castle Inn of Castle Tap). I believe the Castle was first licensed in 1763.
As Brewmaster says it was the Tap for the Newbury Brewery Company which occupied all the land behind the pub and the other buildings from the Castle to what is now Cheltenham & Gloucester - which used to be the brewery owner's house. For many years the Baptist church was between that and the pub.
The large building that was used as a car wash pre-Parkway was a malthouse, between that and Marsh Road (later Park Way) were Smith's Cottages. Thomas Smith built cottages all over Newbury, uncluding Smith's Crescent aka Shaw Crescent. He also financed a couple of his sons-in-law when they took over the brewery.
By chance I was reading the 'Park Way' thread where Brain had posted a link to 'Lest we forget' of May 2009.
At http://www.newbury.net/forum/m-1243112714/ the third picture down features, unless I am mistaken, one of the Newbury Brewery Company buildings. It is the gabled building in the middle, faced with a white lean-to. There appears to be another building behind it, presumably stretching back to Northbrook Street.
The timbered building on the south of Marsh Lane is what remains of Jack of Newbury's house - which used to stretch along Northbrook Street at least as far as Jack Street (some theorise that Jack Street was originally an entrance in the middle of Jack's house). The largest portion (by then the Jack Hotel) was demolished in the 1930s to make way for M&S.
The remaining fragment is now a shop (Monsoon) - I believe they use the upper floors for storerooms etc.
This photograph was taken on Sunday 15th October 2006 (the morning after) and gives no indication of the ferocity of the fire which could have very easily spread to Jack of Newbury's House, which is the building at the end of the alley on the left hand side.
Some 5 years later, JC Taverns are still listing Uncle Henry's on their website:
Uncle Henry’s, Newbury, Berkshire. If you like music, this is the one for you. Plenty of atmosphere and a vibrant pace keep this lively pub a popular location for everyone. Regular live music and events keep the place buzzing.
A 19-year-old girl was left clinging to the pub sign at Uncle Henry’s pub in Marsh Lane, as flames up to 20ft high engulfed the 19th century pub and flat above Ernest Jones jewellery store.
That 19 year girl was Sherrieann who now manages the Snooty Fox.
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