The Black Bull Inn is a prominent public house located on Liverpool Road in Longton, Lancashire. This page concentrates on the Taylor family who occupied the inn from 1819-1864.
The Black Bull has its roots in the late Georgian era and features a distinctive oriel-style bay window on its first floor. Once upon a time, the inn offered weary travellers a place to rest, complete with meals and stabling for their horses. Located near the Turnpike, the Black Bull also served stagecoach passengers, providing a much-needed stop for those traveling long distances. Old maps from the 19th century reveal a stable that linked the inn with a cottage next door.
John and Mary (Betsy) are my 4x great grandparents, descending from their first son Henry.
John, a husbandman of Longton married Mary Brown a spinster of the same Parish on the 23rd of December 1816 at St Marys Penwortham. The couple were married by license and the ceremony was witnessed by Mary’s younger brother Roger and local woman Alice Mayor. The allegation bond was signed by the groom and John Brown.
John and Mary had nine children, over a period of thirteen years. Their first was Henry born in May of 1819.
Henry’s baptism on the 16 May 1819 at St Andrew’s confirms that John was innkeeper of the Black Bull at this time.
After the birth of Henry came four more children consecutively – Elizabeth, Thomas, Mary and Dinah. Later came Alice, Catherine, John and their final child Hannah born in 1832. Sadly Hannah died aged two in 1834.
Sale by Auction
Public houses, or inns, were frequently used as venues for auctions, particularly in the sale of land and property. This was often due to their status as a prominent social meeting place in towns and villages.
To be sold by Auction by Richard Cunliffe, at the house of John Taylor, the Black Bull Inn, Longton, on Friday the 20th day of August 1830 at 6 o’clock in the evening, subject to conditions as will then be produced, all those three cottages or dwelling houses situate in Longton aforesaid, on the left hand side of the lane leading to Longton Marsh, in the several possessions of George Barnes, Robert Burscough and James Sumner as tenants thereof…
Competition and Agriculture
A newspaper report detailing a ploughing match at Longton shows John Taylor landlord of the Black Bull along with his brother Henry who was taking part as a ploughman.
A ploughing match is a contest between people who each plough part of a field. Nowadays there are usually classes for horse-drawn ploughs and for tractor ploughing. Points are awarded for straightness and neatness of the resulting furrows. – Wikipedia
Inquest
An inquiry was held at Longton, on Monday last, before R. Palmer, Esq, on view of the body of a man named William Cottam, who unfortunately met his death on the Saturday preceding, in consequence of having been run over by a loaded cart, which, from the evidence on the inquest, appeared to have been driven at the time in a very reprehensible manner. The facts, as they transpired at the inquiry, were as follows: – Richard Hindle, of Longton, weaver, examined, said that on Saturday last, soon after one o’clock, he was near the Black Bull, in Longton, and soon after saw a man who had just started with his wood-carriage which was laden with wood. Soon after this he saw another man who was driving a cart, which latter person, he believed, was the deceased; both carts were going towards Preston, and he, the witness, also started on the same way, the carts being behind; when he got to Lawrence Hunter’s fold gate, in Longton, a cart laden with cotton came past, – the horses were on the trot at the time. He said to the driver, whose name, he believed, was George Tuson, “You’ll make some lumber” – he gave no answer, but went on. One of the wood-carts then came up, driven by Richard Finch, and which was on the trot, and he on the wrong side of the horses; believed that Finch was sober at the time. Soon after, the cart driven by Cottam came up, the horses being-on the trot, and Cottam had hold of the first horse, but finding he could not get past the cart driven by Finch, he got his horses on the right side of the road, when the hinder wheel of Finch’s cart caught his foot, and he fell, the wheel passing over both his feet and his loins. The carts were both stopped as soon as possible, and the deceased was taken to the Black Bull, and Mr. Seed, surgeon, sent for.
Mr. Seed, surgeon, examined, said he attended the deceased on Saturday afternoon, at the Black Bull, in Longton, and on examining him found that he had been much bruised on the right thigh, right side, the feet, hip, and loins; endeavoured to bleed him, but could not succeed; afterwards applied leeches and other remedies, but the deceased continued to get worse, and died about five o’clock the same afternoon; bad examined the body since, and found that the deceased had suffered great violence to different parts of his body from the accident, and that many of the smaller vessels were ruptured, thus causing an instantaneous extravasation of blood, and ultimately producing death. The coroner recapitulated the evidence, and the jury soon afterwards returned a verdict of accidental death. The man, Finch, was then very severely reprimanded by the coroner, and told, that had it not been in evidence that he was sober at the time of the accident, and some other circumstances being in his favour, he should have certainly suggested to the jury the propriety of considering the case one of manslaughter. He trusted that the accident would produce greater caution hereafter.
Yeoman
Back in the days of my ancestors, the view of the Black Bull from Liverpool Road was quite different from what we see today. Where the shops now stand was an open field. Next to the inn, there was a farm complete with outbuildings, a wheelwright and joinery shop, and a nearby cottage that later came to be known as Holly Cottage. Adjoining the inn, there was a barn that served as a stable.
The Black Bull on Liverpool Road. A late Georgian inn with an unusual overhanging bay window on the first floor. 19th century maps show a stable connecting the present inn with the cottage next door and traces of the wall are still visible. It is said that the stable was occasionally used as a mortuary to house the bodies of people washed up on Longton Marsh! – Longton, A village history, Marjorie Searson.
John’s father, Henry, was a yeoman with freehold land in Longton, Leyland and Euxton. When he passed away, he left John the Black Bull and attached land.
John’s will, written in November 1849, confirms that he retained ownership of the Inn and other farmland in Longton. During his lifetime, John expanded his landholdings acquiring a farm and cottage in Penwortham, land and property in Lea, and a cottage and three parcels of land in Longton known as the ‘five acres’.
John’s cottage in Longton was located across from St. Andrews Church where the group of retail shops now stands. Maps show it to have been a detached cottage before the row of cottages on Frankland Fold.
Note – The 1838 tithe record on The Genealogist appears to show John Taylor Druggist to be the landowner and occupier of the inn and lands belonging. I believe this to be an error considering evidence contained within the two Taylor wills, parish records, census records and various information from a later chancery case. The only explanation may be that John at some time acquired the Farm and various outbuildings on the same lands as the Black Bull.
Events at the Inn
The 1841 census, taken on June 6th, shows John at the inn with Mary and their son, Thomas. Also there is John’s older brother, Henry.
Meanwhile, the rest of the family, except for Dinah, can be found close by on Liverpool Road. Dinah was working as a servant in the home of John Park, a cotton spinner residing on Marsh Lane North.
Melvilles Charity
On Christmas Eve, the committee of management for the rents of the Melville’s charity met, according to annual custom, at the house of Mr John Taylor, innkeeper of Longton, when seventy-five poor industrious families received benefactions. The claimants were exclusively such as struggled hard to make “both ends meet”, without applying for parochial relief. After the business of the day, the committee were joined by a select number of friends and neighbours; and having passed the evening in social enjoyment, they separated in the possession of such feelings as emanate from the discharge of generous and charitable offices. – Jan 1840
Grand Jury
On July 3, 1841, John Taylor took an oath as a member of the grand jury at the Court House of the House of Corrections in Preston.
This House of Correction was notable for being the first established in Lancashire, dating back to the reign of James I.
Joining John on the grand jury were his brother-in-law, John Brown, and James Pye, a local maltster from the Pye Brewery on Marsh Lane.
The time was when the summoning of the vassals of the Baron to attain his court leet, in this township, was a scene of jovial hilarity, sumptuous feasting, and eloquent speeches. Of late years this remnant of the old feudal times has dwindled down to a mere answering of names, the cold formal dinner of the officers and jury, with a vain attempt to restore or establish freedom of discussion, or that intercourse of mutual kindness which unites in one bond the various classes of which society is formed. This year, however, a change has come over the scene, and we hail the circumstance as an omen of more stirring and prosperous times. The court was held yesterday, at the house of Mr. John Taylor, the Black Bull, and after the usual business was dispatched, the jury, a select company of gentlemen and farmers, to the number of fifty-four, sat down to a most sumptuous dinner, the quantity and quality of which were such as to call forth the most unqualified praise of those present. Whatever of fish, flesh or fowl was in season, and good of its kind, was provided in ample profusion by the worthy and obliging hostess Mrs. Taylor. In union with the spirit of hospitality of mine host of the Bull, a number of guests were invited, after the hurry of dinner was over, to partake of the ample provision of the good things of the table. The young people of the village afterwards joined in the merry dance, and partaking of the glass ‘which invigorates not inebriates’, and tripped it on the ‘light fantastic toe’, till the hour reminded them of the rest necessary to fit them for the morrow’s toil. – Longton, May 1841
Supper at the Inn
On Monday evening last, a supper was given to a large party of friends and neighbours, by Mr. John Wilkins, of the Golden Ball, Longton. The Longton band attended, and, with untiring zeal, kept up a flow of good humour and pleasing enjoyment, by their lively strains, during the whole evening. The same liberality was displayed by Mr. Taylor, of the Bull Inn, on the same I evening. – February 1849
Christmas Ball
The second annual ball took place at Longton, on the 19th instant, at the Black Bull. Dancing commenced at eight o’clock, and by the hour of nine, thirty couples were “footing it” in the merry dance, to the heel and toe stirring strains sent forth by the celebrated Blackburn quadrille band.
Proud Preston; money getting Bamber Bridge; Whittle-le-Woods, with its salubrious and health-restoring waters; Chorley, noted for its clattering clogs and snarling curs; Tarleton, boasting its comely lads and bonnie lasses; and last, though not least, Longton, with its proud aristocracy, and pale-faced weavers, furnished guests; and -we need not say- the company was highly respectable.
Tables were spread in adjoining rooms, loaded with choice viands, prepared to meet the most fastidious appetite, by the kind-hearted and generous Mrs. Taylor, to which the party, when prompted by hunger, thirst, or fatigue might retire. The dessert was abundant and choice, and called forth the unqualified applause of all who partook of it. The room was tastefully decorated with evergreens and festoons of rich stuff and curious device, arranged by a neighbouring amateur of superior skill in these matters. Those who were unwilling to dance were seen seated in a recess therein, enjoying a quiet game at whist. – December 1848
Marriage and Social Class
In June of 1842, Mary Taylor the couples second daughter becomes the first to marry.
Mary married Robert Moss Esquire, with her two brothers, Henry and John, and Robert’s youngest sister, Jane Moss, as witnesses.
Three years later, Dinah also tied the knot, marrying Joseph Moss, who happens to be Robert’s younger brother.
These two marriages give us a glimpse into the social standing of the family. Marriages were often tied to social class, so Mary’s marriage to an Esquire sheds light on John’s position within the community. Additionally, the two marriages suggest a likely friendship between John and William Moss, the father of the grooms. William was a Yeoman farmer.
Rent Day
On Monday last, the tenants of Robert Moss, Esq (thirty seven in number), met their worthy landlord, on the occasion of their annual rent-day, at the Black Bull Inn, Longton and were entertained by him to an excellent dinner, served up by Mrs. Taylor, in her usual good style. Several respectable neighbours joined the tenants at the festive board, and the evening was spent in the most social conviviality. – December 1843
Monday last being the half-yearly rent audit of Robert Moss, Esq, of Longton, the different tenants of that gentleman, after paying the claims upon them, sat down to an excellent dinner at Mr John Taylor’s, The Black Bull Inn, their landlord presiding. After the usual etcetera’s had received sufficient attention, the good feeling and hilarity that always distinguish these meetings prevailed until the breaking of the party at a timely hour. – Newspaper Report May 1845
On Monday last, Mrs. Moss assembled her farm tenants at the house of her father, Mr John Taylor, Black Bull Inn, Longton. After the various claims were settled, and the books closed, the tenants and a party sat down to dinner, and afterwards spent the evening in social chat, quaffing the sparkling home brewed, while the poor of the neighbourhood were not forgotten. – Newspaper Report June 1850.
New Landlord
In October 1846, the Black Bull had a temporary new landlord: Jonas Bradley. This is pretty interesting from a family history perspective because it’s the only time in thirty years that a member of the Taylor family wasn’t running the bar. By 1848, the Taylors had taken charge again, but it really brings up some intriguing questions about what was going on in the meantime. What led to this brief change?
On Monday week, Mr. Jonas Bradley, of the Black Bull Inn, Longton, entertained a select number of his friends at supper, on the occasion of entering on business at that house. While the elder guests, in quiet, enjoyed their pipe and pot, and drank success to the new landlord’s undertaking, the youthful part merrily shook their feet to the cheering strains of a couple of fiddles, till the grey morn reminded all that the time of separation was at hand. – October 1846
On Monday last the tenants of Mr. George Taylor of Longton Hall assembled at the house of Mr. Jonas Bradley, Black Bull, and did ample justice to the good things provided to them by Mrs. Bradley. The glass freely circulated, and song and toast passed around until the party separated, well-pleased with the events of the evening. – November 1846
1850’s
The inn had some twenty acres of land and while John Taylor ran the inn, assisted by his wife, and daughter and helped by Ellen Watkinson who served the ale, his sons and a farm servant worked on the land. The inn also provided residential accommodation, for on the day of the census a ‘Mrs. Nicholson’ is listed as a traveller staying there. – Longton in the nineteenth century, Marjorie Searson
At this time Longton was a bustling township. The turnpike road brought a steady stream of travellers, which kept the local public houses busy with customers.
Living in the cottage next door when the census was taken was Robert Riley a master Clogger.
Fowl Stealing
On Saturday before the County magistrates High Carr, William Walton, Henry Riding, Thomas Oscar, Thomas Hesketh, all from the neighbourhood of Longton, were charged with stealing 3 hens, 2 belonging to Mrs Taylor of The Black Bull, Longton, and the third belonging to Thomas Blundell, a labourer. – 21 April 1860
End of an era
John Taylor passed away on July 22, 1855, at the age of sixty-nine. He was laid to rest at the local St. Andrews Church on July 25, 1855. See Grave Search
After John passed away, Mary managed the public house for the next six years, until her own death in 1861.
After Mary’s passing, the Black Bull was put up for rent. Newspaper evidence confirms that two of John’s sons remained present at the public house into the year 1863.
Auction
Below shows a newspaper article from Saturday April 13 1861, detailing the household furniture that was to be sold at auction.
The list of household goods is very interesting from a family history perspective giving a glimpse into the Taylor family home and business. You can spot a variety of farming tools, along with some barware and intriguing pieces of family furniture. These items also offer a glimpse into the family’s financial status.
Interestingly, the American clock featured in the auction may have been a gift from Catherine or John, both of whom spent time in America. This little detail adds a personal element to the story of John and Mary, highlighting items they held dear.
After Mary Taylor’s passing and the subsequent listing of the inn for rent, the next recorded landlord of the Black Bull Inn was Mr. Edward Martin, along with his wife, in 1864.
1892
An advertisement in the Preston Herald twenty years earlier in 1892 has added an unexpected twist to my research. The ad, placed by James Pye & Son Longton Brewery, states that the Black Bull was available for rent along with 13 acres of land.
Initially I wondered why the ad was placed by the Brewery when the public house was still under the control of the Taylor family. Research suggests that the local brewery, James Pye & Son, being the contact for letting the public house points to a commercial arrangement between the estate’s Trustees and the brewery after the passing of John and Mary.
This arrangement may have been a “tied house” system, or, “loan tie” arrangement, but ultimately the brewery was likely involved because they had a financial interest in securing the sales of their beer, and they likely offered the trustees a way to generate reliable rental income for the estate while outsourcing the complex day-to-day management of the public house.
Chancery Court
John Taylor’s estate continued to spark interest well into the 20th century, becoming the subject of a complex chancery court saga. Documents related to this part of my Taylor family history show that the inn remained as part of the family estate until at least 1912. After said events in the chancery court, the public house went up for auction alongside other freehold properties and land. However, details of the final bidding show that it was withdrawn from sale.
To be continued.
My Taylor family research is currently ongoing. Keep an eye out for updates on my blog to read more about Henry Taylor, Johns father and a separate narrative on the Chancery Court action taken by Johns granddaughter fifty-five years after his death.
What happened to the rest of the Taylor family?
Click on to the ‘Page 2’ for details.