Feathers Hotel Lydney (General)

by slowhands , proud of his ancient Dean Forest roots, Wednesday, November 13, 2013, 12:32 (4022 days ago) @ downunder

Hi all

Someone has unexpectedly thrown up the possibility that there could be a family connection to one of the Lydney publicans on the 1911 census - due to his children having been born in South Africa, possibly the Kimberley. Don't know which pub though (I think there were 18 in Lydney in 1911?) or the surname.

I've worked my way through as many inns as I can find records for, but can't find any obvious African connections yet and no children born anywhere outside the UK.

Wonder if anyone could help or know if I'm chasing a red herring?

Many thanks as always

transcribed as O GREEN from Kimberley at the Feathers Lydney, I think its O'BRIEN or O'BRIAN

1911 Feathers Hotel 16 High St Lydney
James Joseph O Green 39 Limerick Ireland
Ellie O Green 35 Clare Ireland
Eileen May O Green 9 Kimberley SA
Ernest Patrick J O Green 6 Kimberley SA
William James O Green Under 1 month Cardiff S Wales

The Feathers Hotel was once an important coaching inn on the Gloucester to South Wales main road. The Feathers Hotel played a leading role in Lydney’s history. It was once the venue for inquests and trials and the headquarters for a host of local organisations. The Feathers Hotel even boasted its own bowling green.

On Friday 22nd February 1902 the members of the Lydney and District Licensed Victualler’s Association met at the Feathers Hotel to partake of dinner and spend a social evening. ‘A few friends were invited, and between 30 and 40 sat down to an excellent spread provided by Host and Hostess Smith.’

The Feathers Hotel was owned by the P.R.H.A. in the 1940’s. This was the People’s Refreshment House Association Ltd., which provided food and accommodation to travellers. It encouraged non-alcoholic drinks but did serve beer during licensing hours. They owned 160 Licensed Houses after the Second World War, and the Feathers Hotel was described as having ’19 bedrooms and a dining room capable of seating a hundred.’ The Association’s freehold and leasehold properties were acquired by Charrington & Co. Ltd. from the beginning of 1962.

On Friday August 31st 1962 four young gentlemen named Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr stayed overnight at the Feathers after playing at Lydney Town Hall. Drummer Pete Best had been sacked from the Beatles just two weeks earlier on the 16th August, so Ringo was still very much the ‘new boy’ in the band. Perhaps after singing Twist and Shout John Lennon drank a couple of pints of Bass’ beer to soothe his throat!

The Feathers Hotel closed in February 1998 after a period of decline. After closure the building was set fire to on a number of occasions. The arson attack on the afternoon of Good Friday 1998 was described as being particularly fierce. Firefighters used ‘backdraft’ training to control the blaze.

The Feathers was demolished in June 1999. Tesco is probably built on the site

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Ἀριστοτέλης A Gloster Boy in the Forest of Dean ><((((*>