THE QUEEN’S HEAD

1898 MAP TO SHOW THE LOCATION OF THE QUEEN’S HEAD IN THE CENTRE.

ALSO SHOWN ARE THE BAY HORSE INN, THE TRAVELLERS’ REST AND THE WATERLOO INN

In 1894, the landlady was Mrs Mary Burnie

Below: 1891 Census detail

Mary Burnie, aged 78 was the “Licensed Victualler” of the “Queen’s Head”. She was born at Mickleton, Yorkshire, as was her 51 years old son John, a general labourer. Her younger son was 44 years old, William who was born at Evenwood. He was employed as a veterinary surgeon. A domestic servant, 19 years old Jane A. Stirk, lived and worked for her.

In 1914, the landlord was William Watson

Below: 1911 Census detail.

William Watson, aged 42 was the Licensed Victualler of the Queen’s Head. He lived there with his wife Mary Ann, his mother Elizabeth and 4 children – Fred (aged 7), William (5), Mary Ann (4) and Robert aged 1 year. A servant, 20 years old Margaret Bowman lived with the family. William must have moved recently into the village since none of his children were born at Evenwood.

At one time, the Queen’s Head was part of the West Auckland Brewery Co. Ltd., (formed 1878) chain of public houses. In 1959, WABCL was acquired by J.W. Cameron & Co. Ltd. with 75 licensed houses and the brewery ceased trading in 1962. Other pubs in WABCL chain were the Sun Inn at Wackerfield and the Trotter’s Arms, Ramshaw.

Below: Date 1920’s? Details unknown

From 1934 to 1952, the landlords were William “Billy” Atkinson (1893-1967) and Mary Ada Atkinson (nee Middlemass).

Billy was born at West Auckland, was a horse keeper at Randolph Colliery and had been a keen cricketer in his younger days having played for Bishop Auckland and Evenwood.

Below: 18 June 1950. Mary Ada Atkinson in the doorway. The photo includes Fred Lowson, 2nd left ?

Below: Alice Kilcran & friend

Below:

Probably MAY 1954 after the new NUM lodge banner was unfurled. RANDOLPH NUM OFFICIALS WITH HUGH DALTON MP FOR BISHOP AUCKLAND – TOMMY CLARKSON, HUGH DALTON, EDDIE BANKS & JACK BELL.