On 24th April 1847 the Oxford Chronicle and Reading Gazette reported “The Mayor’s Court Leet Jury inspected the weights at the shops and warehouses of the various tradesmen in Abingdon, which, with a few exceptions, were found correct.
In the evening the jury and a party of friends partook of an excellent supper at Mr. Joseph Emmens’s, the Star Tavern. The health ot his worship, the Mayor was drank in a bumper.”
Mr Emmen managed the Star Tavern from some time before 1823 to some time after 1854, according to Kelly’s Directories in Abingdon Library. The Star Tavern also functioned as a tobacconist and hairdresser. (Picture is part of a 1857 Print by John S Austin – Oxford Architect – All Rights Reserved.)
If the Star Tavern was still standing today it would be in front of the DaleBoot UK sign and entrance, and would hide the view of the TSB.
According to Abingdon Borough records from 1888, trees were planted where the Star Tavern had stood. The Star, and the pub over the road, had been demolished to allow Stert Street to be widened into a main road.
* Epiphany is celebrated 12 days after Christmas on 6th January and remembers the arrival of the wise men, who followed the star to find Jesus. Why I did a blog post about a lost Abingdon star.
* Court Leet was a court for small offences. Such courts went on to check standards in sales of food and drink.
Thankyou to The british newspaper archive for the news story about the Star Tavern.
Fascinating article. A pity that they didn’t name and shame the traders who were using inaccurate measures!
The building in the background in the 1857 print will be the other pub mentioned, which according to Jackie Smith’s wonderful book was called The Two Brewers. It was in what is now the gap between St Nics and the TSB.
PS does anyone know the meaning of the “bumper” in which the Mayor’s health was drunk?
Regular viewers of antiques programmes will have come across bumpers: https://blog.oup.com/2012/12/drinking-vessel-bumper-etymology-word-origin/
That sounds my sort of glass – cheers!
Sorting through some old papers I found a programme from 1993 for The Abingdon Lions Annual Gala Day. It is full of adverts for local businesses like:
Hayden Tackle & Guns Saddlery and Country Wear in Lombard St,
Heather Mole Beauty Therapist,
The Oxford Bolt & Bearing Centre,
A. B. Bosley & Son Family Butcher in Oxford Road, Spruce Dry Cleaning in Ock Street,
25 Bridge Street The Art, Craft & Culture Centre of Abingdon;
It would be a shame to put it in the recycling bin.
Any suggestions?
What about the town archivist ? They might not be interested but might be able to suggest someone who is.
archivist@abingdon.gov.uk