THE TRAVELLER’S REST

The “Traveller’s Rest” public house was originally called the “Drover’s Arms” and more recently, the “Castle Inn” before reverting back to the “Traveller’s Rest”. To all in Evenwood, the Travellers is the Travellers! Below are a number of photos of the premises, landlords, landladies and their regulars. Other photos, names and dates will be added as and when time permits.

The 1891 census records Thomas Sutton as “coal miner and licensed victualler” of the “Drover’s Arms”. He lived there with his wife Margaret and 3 daughters Margaret, Elizabeth and Jane.

Below Thomas & Margaret Sutton

Below: The pub sign shows the “Traveller’s Rest” and S. McConnel as landlord.

In the 1901 census, Samuel McConnel was recorded as Inn Keeper. He lived there with his wife and 8 children William, Alexandra, Jane, Florence, Samuel, Albert, Ada and Jessie. 10 years earlier, Samuel was the landlord of the Sun Inn at Stanley, near Crook. He was born in Scotland about 1853 but was in County Durham by about 1883.

Another view

Below: This photo is courtesy of Beamish Museum. North Eastern Breweries Ltd, Sunderland was established in 1896 and merged with Vaux Breweries Ltd in 1927. The Welcome Inn and the Royal Hotel at Cockfield were also owned by this brewery. Where was the Royal Hotel?

And another view, the 1960’s

Below, names are left to Right. Nelson Mason, Sid Hodgson, Donald Galagher, Brian Prudhoe, Donald Vennard, Allan Lamb. Middle Row. Jack Robinson, Tom Buttle, Angus Murray, Wilf Mudd, Lester Maughn, Dennis Armstrong, Trevour Hope, Harold Dowson, Ralph Hope. Front Row. Betty Clennel, Eve Buttle, Tony Hill, Freda Hill, Rosamund Hill, Frankie Rowell, ? Hodgson, Jim Carrick.

Below names

NAMES Below

Below Date ?: Peggy Fuller

Below Date ?: Names Bryce Fuller, Gordon Hymers, Michael Todd, Ian Rhodes, Bob Hall, Jimmy Stephenson. Also in the photo Peggy behind the bar, Tot Robson and Alf Clennell heading for the bar.

FEBRUARY 2003 MENU: At this time, Joan and Dave Howe were publicans. The Traveller’s football team, playing in the Wear Valley Sunday League, operated from the pub. The Travellers meals were second to none, Sunday Lunch was legendary!