Castle Tavern, Doxey Road
I was born in Doxey, about one mile from Stafford town centre. My forebears lived in and around what was then called Castletown, that is the area on the left of Doxey Road. My maternal grandmother Alice Parsons was the keeper, with her husband Harry, of the Castle Tavern which has a prominent position on the corner of Castle Street. They took the inn in about 1902 and continued until Harry's death in 1910. Alice kept the inn going by herself for a few years. The inn is a very different place now from what it must have been in Alice's time. It was then an inn which served mainly the needs of the workforce of the railway. Castle Street led at that time to Bagnall's railway engine works. Whilst at the inn Alice fell down the cellar steps and broke both her wrists. On a recent visit I was taken down into the cellar by the landlord and one can easily see how tha accident happened. She was a very tough lady and lived on in Doxey until she was 99 years old.
Memories Links
Add a Memory for another place
Tips & Ideas
How does Stafford feature in your personal history?
What are your best memories of Stafford?
How has Stafford changed over the years?
Share memories about your local community, its history and people.
Comments
3 comments have been shared so far in response to the memory "Castle Tavern, Doxey Road".
Why not get involved and post your comments using the comment form below.
Comments
RE: RE: Castle Tavern, Doxey Road
Hi Michael,
Harry and Alice were my grandad's grandparents. I guess that means you are my grandad's cousin. It would be great to hear from you and I enjoyed your post. Did you know my grandad, Philip Parsons, son of Harold?
Comment from Simon Woodhall on Thursday, 23rd July 2009.
RE: RE: Castle Tavern, Doxey Road
Hi Michael, My grandfather George Williams stayed in the Tavern in 1912 during his apprenticeship as a carpenter /joiner which was interupted by the war. He spent 4 years in the Engineers and then had to complete the last year of his time when he returned. He married Frances and had 4 children. He emigrated to NZ in 1955 to help my uncle set up a business here and my mum and dad came out here in 1957. He was employed as a chippy at the local council until he was 75 during which time he had built a new house for my gran. He died in 1982. I have in my possession a few bits and pieces of his early life - his health insurance card etc and also a bible he received when he was about 5 years old for good attendance at the Ashfield Sabbath School. He must of been proud of it because it is almost like new. I have been interested in his early life but it is quite difficult sifting through the several Geo Williams - no middle name, I think he was brought up in the area and his parents owned or managed a pub.
Comment from Francis Burlingham on Saturday, 4th February 2012.
RE: RE: Castle Tavern, Doxey Road
.
Comment from Simon Woodhall on Thursday, 23rd July 2009.