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The Old Crown Inn
This building is now 11 Market Square, known as Old Crown House (previously Perseverance House). It is Grade II listed, with this description from 1984:
 |
The former Old Crown in the 1960s |
Late C16, altered and re-fronted late C18. Interior shows timber frame. Front has colourwashed render to ground floor, roughcast above with smooth render quoins. Tiled roof with ornamental bands of grey and shaped tiles. Central gable has original carved bargeboards. Small brick chimney to left. 2 storeys and attic, 2 bays. Ground floor has paired barred sash windows and wooden entablature on Doric pilasters. First floor has tripartite sashes, one 4-pane sash in attic gable. Interior: house is 2 rooms deep with double-sided chimney stack to centre. Ground floor fireplace in front room has moulded stone jambs with slender shafts, and timber lintel with moulded Tudor arch. C17 panelling with carved foliage frieze in same room. First floor front room has fireplace with moulded stone Tudor arch and C18 panelling above. Frame of original window to rear of room. Spiral staircase. Attic landing has C17 splat balusters. Ground floor has wooden Doric column to front left. At one time a public house.
The property which is now Old Crown House only forms about 60% of the original building. During the 17th century the northern part (on the right in the photo above and the plan on the left) was separated to form what later became the Punch House. Combining the plan of that building before it was completely rebuilt c.1860 with the Old Crown House in its present form shows clearly how a medieval hall house with separate kitchen (indicated by the thick black lines) was altered first by the installation of a central chimney (the black block in the centre), probably in the mid/late 16th century. A staircase would have been added too. The fireplaces on both the ground floor and first floor have moulded stone surrounds, a very unusual feature in Winslow perhaps due to the owners being the wealthy Edmunds family. The original hall was probably divided into smaller rooms at the same time. Then the property was divided into two, which may be when the 17th-century panelling on the north wall of the Old Crown was installed. The future Punch House is the part with the dark shading. Wattle and daub, some of which is preserved inside the building, was gradually replaced by brick. The 1708 inventory (see below) shows that the ground floor of the Old Crown then consisted only of kitchen and hall. At some point, a passage which gave access for horses from the Market Square to the yard and stable at the rear was enclosed at ground floor level (it was already partly covered by a first floor room, shown by shading on the plan). There are references from 1768 onwards to "the Gate now erected joining to the yard from the Common Street", which means the gate shown at the top of the plan, providing access from Horn Street past the backs of the adjacent buildings; the creation of this entrance (which may have been much earlier) would have made the passage from the Market Square redundant.
There may be confusion in some documents with the adjacent Rose & Crown.
1520: Manor court rolls
John Boston surrendered all claim to a messuage called the Crowne and a messuage next to Richard Edmonds, for benefit of Bernard Pitkyn & his wife.
1556: Survey of the manor of Winslow
Richard Edmund holds by copy of the court roll, as it is said, one cottage called the Crowne lately in the tenure of the heir(s?) of John Woorship, situate in the vill and fields of Winslowe aforesaid, paying in respect thereof 17d at the feasts aforesaid. Fine [blank].
1610: Schedule of lands and tenements
William Edmondes gent
One Messuage & lx acres of land; one tenement called the Crowne; one parcell of waste
1638, 12 Sep: Winslow Manor Court (Centre for Bucks Studies, D175/2, translated from Latin)
William Gyles and Anne his wife surrendered a cottage situate in Winslow called the Crowne Corner now in the occupation of Abell Seare. To the use of George Kirbey. Annual rent: 18d. Fine: 5s.
[This could be part of a subdivision of the original property which also included the separation of the future Punch House]
1690, 19 June: Winslow Manor Court [this entry seems to refer to 7 Market Square]
William Gyles sr and Benjamin Griffin and Ann his wife [William's daughter] surrendered a messuage in Winslowe, William Firth's messuage north, John Robinson's south, with 2 stables and liberty of entering etc. in and from the yard belonging to William Gyles' messuage called The Crowne to and from the Pump [antlia] now standing in the yard. To the use of Joseph Gyles of Winslowe Hatter and Mary his wife, they being at a quarter of the expense for the repair of the pump. Rent 6d, fine 10s.
1700, 16 April: Winslow Manor Court
"the stable belonging to the house of William Gyles sr known by the sign of the Crown" was on the east side of a piece of land which Richard Letman of The Bull sold to Samuel Norman.
Some of this land became the garden of The Crown, as described in the 1768 transaction below. The present stable, a two-storey brick building with a cornice (photo right), appears to date from the 18th century.
1702, 22 April: Winslow Manor Court
William Gyles sr on 28 March surrendered the messuage in the occupation of Charles King sr called the Crown to Samuel Norman, in trust to pay an annuity to William's wife Mary and daughter Mary, then to Samuel in perpetuity.
1708: Will and inventory of Charles King, innholder
It mentions hall, kitchen, cellar, great chamber, little chamber and three garrets. There were 13 beds.
1718, 13 Dec: Winslow Manor Court
Samuel and Martha Norman handed over to their son William Norman various property including "two messuages in Winslowe, one known by the name and sign of The Crown and now in the occupation of William Goodman, and the other in the occupation of John Godwin, with outhouses and stables". This was a marriage settlement for William Norman and Mary Huse, and was entailed after their deaths to their children other than their eldest son. As they only had two children, that should mean that after William died at Henley on Thames in 1758, it was inherited by his daughter Mary, who married Lomax Ryder in 1759.
1719, 26 June: Sun Insurance, 11936/9/326/14430-1 William Norman of Winslow
For his house being the dwelling house only of William Goodman called the Crown Inn Winslow aforesaid.
William Norman as before for his two houses and malthouse and outhouses adjoining to the above Inn in the tenure of Samuel Norman and John Godwin
1741, 31 Aug: Northampton Mercury
To let: Crown Inn in the Market Place in Winslow.
Enquire Mrs Martha Norman at Winslow or Mr William Norman at Henley upon Thames
Alehouse recognizances
1753-6: Old Crown: Joanna Bailey: on 16 Jan 1757 she married Joseph Dudley
1760-5: Old Crown: Joseph Dudley
1767: will of Thomas Hughes (proved 1769)
He leaves to his wife Mary: All that my Messuage & Tenement Situate in Winslow aforesaid wherein I now dwell commonly called or known by the Name of the Old Crown Together with all Outhouses Yards Backsides Priviledges and Appurtenances whatsoever to the same belonging or in any wise Appertaining
1768, 25-6 Oct: Winslow Manor Court (Centre for Bucks Studies, D 82/1, p.27)
Admission of Mary Hughes, widow of Thomas Hughes late of Winslow victualler
All that Messuage or Tenement heretofore in the occupation of Joseph Dudley called or known by the Name or Sign of the Old Crown situate in or near the Market Place in Winslow Together with all the Stables and Buildings heretofore in the possession of the said Joseph Dudley which now do or heretofore did belong to the said Old Crown Together also with one Slipe or piece of Ground adjoining to the back part of the said Stable containing by estimation thirty feet in length and nine feet at the further end adjoining or next to the Straw Barn and the hither end adjoining to the said Stable sixteen feet with free liberty of Ingress Egress and Regress to and from the said Slipe or piece of Ground at all times with wheel barrows and burthens through the Gate now erected joining to the said yard from the Common Street unto the back part of the said Crown and Stables thereto belonging
1774, 17 June: Winslow Manor Court (Centre for Bucks Studies, D 82/1 pp.177-8)
Surrender: John Blake of Winslow, yeoman & Mary his wife
All that Messuage heretofore in the occupation of Joseph Dudley and now of the said John Blake [described as in 1768].
To the use of John Blake and Mary his wife for their lives, then to the use of the heirs and assigns of John Blake forever. Rent 4d, fine 5s.
Alehouse recognizances
1768-71: Old Crown: Widow Hughes (she married John Blake, farmer, 3 Oct 1772)
1776: Old Crown: John Blake
1780-5: Crown: Richard Lomath
The inn sign has survived (right), presumably the last one in use before the building became a private house.
1775: Court Baron (Centre for Bucks Studies, D 82/1, pp.236-7)
John Blake of Winslow yeoman and Mary his wife on 26 Jan 1775 mortgaged the Old Crown with stables, slipe and liberty of ingress (described as in 1786) to Hector Patten Burnham of Aylesbury, gentleman, for £50 with interest payable on 26 July next.
1778: Court Baron
John Blake of Winslow Yeoman and Mary his wife on 6 June 1778 mortgaged the Messuage late in the occupation of John Blake now of Richard Lomath called the Old Crown (described as in 1786) to Samuel Clegg of Middle Claydon Dairyman for £100 with interest payable on 6 Dec.
Land Tax
1781: John Blake (owner), Richard Lomath (occupier): 7s 7d
1786: John Blake (owner), Richard Lomath (occupier): 8s 2½d
1786, 30-31 Oct: Court Baron (Centre for Bucks Studies, D 82/2/117)
Surrender: John Blake of Winslow, yeoman, after the death of Mary his wife
Admission: Thomas Bowler the younger of Winslow, wheelwright
All that Messuage or Tenement theretofore in the occupation of the said Joseph Dudley now [1774] in the occupation of the said John Blake [and in 1786 in the occupation of Richard Lomath] called or known by the sign of the Old Crown situate in or near the Market Place in Winslow aforesaid together with all the stables and outbuildings then in the tenure or occupation of the said John Blake which then or theretofore did belong to the said Old Crown together also with one slipe or piece of Ground adjoining to the back part of the said stable containing by estimation thirty feet in length and nine feet at the further end adjoining or next to the Straw Barn and the hither end adjoining to the said stable sixteen feet with free liberty of Ingress Egress and Regress to and from the said Slipe or Piece of Ground at all times with wheelbarrows and burthens through the gate now erected joining to the said yard from the common street into the back part of the said Crown and the stable thereto belonging
1786, 11 Nov: Sun Insurance, 11936/341/524346
| Thomas Bowler of Winslow, wheelwright | £ |
| On a house only in the tenure of Richard Lomath, victualler | 140 |
| Stables and brewhouse only adjoining separate | 60 |
| All brick and tiled situate in Winslow aforesaid | 200 |
| ___ | |
| 400 |
Alehouse recognizances
1790-1805: Crown: Thomas Harris
1795 & 1805: Land Tax
Thomas Bowler (owner), Thomas Harris (occupier): 8s 2½d
1802: Will of Thomas Bowler (proved 1805)
Leaves to his son Thomas Bowler "All that my Copyhold Messuage or Tenement or Public House situate and being in Winslow aforesaid now in the Tenure or Occupation of Thomas Harris with the Appurtenances thereunto belonging"
1806, 26 April: Northampton Mercury
To be S O L D by A U C T I O N ,
by JOSEPH DUDLEY,
At the Old-Crown, in Winslow, in the County of Bucks, on Thursday the 8th Day of May, 1806, between the Hours of Three and Six o’Clock in the Afternoon, in two Lots, subject to such Conditions as will be there and then produced.
Lot 1 COMPRISES a COPYHOLD MESSUAGE or TENEMENT, with a large Yard, Garden, Barn, Wheelwright’s Shop, and other convenient Out-Offices, situate in Great-Horn-Street in WINSLOW aforesaid, now in the Tenure or Occupation of William Bonner. - The Out-Offices are particularly convenient, and the Whole in good Repair, with an excellent Pump of Water.
Lot 2 comprises a COPYHOLD MESSUAGE, or old established and well-accustomed PUBLIC-HOUSE, desirably situated in the MARKET-SQUARE, in WINSLOW aforesaid, called or known by the Name or Sign of the OLD-CROWN, now in full Trade, with convenient Brewhouse, Stable, Cellarage, and other Out-Offices, now in the Tenure or Occupation of Thomas Harris, under a Lease of six Years, three of which are unexpired at Michaelmas next.
N.B. These Premises are well worth the Attention of Brewers, or other Persons in the Public Line.
→ For further Particulars, and to treat for the same by Private Contract, apply to Mr. BURNHAM, Attorney, or the AUCTIONEER, both of Winslow aforesaid; and for a View of the Premises, to the TENANTS.
1806, 27 & 29 Oct: Court Baron (Centre for Bucks Studies, D 82/3 p.278)
Admission of Thomas Bowler of Winslow, maltster, son of Thomas Bowler of Winslow, maltster, deceased
All that Messuage or Tenement heretofore in the occupation of Joseph Dudley, afterwards of John Blake, now of Thomas Harris, called or known by the name or sign of the Old Crown … said Thomas Bowler admitted 30 & 31 October 1786 on the surrender of John Blake
1807, 26 Oct: Court Baron (Centre for Bucks Studies AR 27/2011 = D82/3 p.299)
William Bowler of Winslow, maltster, admitted as tenant on the surrender of Thomas Bowler of Adstock, victualler, and Hannah his wife.
1807, 19 Dec: two alleged horse-thieves stayed overnight at The Crown.
1808, 1 Dec: William Bowler mortgaged the Old Crown, in the occupation of Thomas Aldridge, to Thomas Yeates of Winslow, gentleman, for £180 + 5% interest.
Alehouse recognizances
1808-14: Old Crown: Thomas Aldridge
1814: Administration of Thomas Aldridge, victualler
Alehouse recognizances
1815-16: Old Crown: Robert Bignell
1816: playbills from The Crown dated 1816 were exhibited at the exhibition of antiquities in 1888.
1816: manor court
The lord of the manor on 25 Oct instant granted licence to William Bowler of Winslow malster to let on lease to Richard Barton of Winslow malster a messuage in the Market Square called the Crown, then in the occupation of William Turnham, and a malthouse & malt kiln in Great Horn Street, for 5 years from 11 Oct 1816.
1817, 26 April: Northampton Mercury
Household Furniture, Brewing Utensils, and Effects
To be SOLD by AUCTION,
By SAMUEL DUDLEY,
On Monday the 5th Day of May, 1817, on the Premises of Mr. WM. TURNHAM, at the CROWN Public House, WINSLOW, Bucks.
HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, as four-post and stump Bedsteads, feather and flock Beds, Sheets, Blankets, and Quilts; mahogany and oak folding, dressing, and tea Tables, Windsor and chamber Chairs, Chests of Drawers, Cupboards, pier and swing Glasses, Clock and Case, oak Bureau, stove Grates, kitchen Range, Fenders and fire Irons, four plated Quarts, a Quantity of Glass, quart and pint Mugs, earthen and pewter Measures; kitchen Requisites in Copper, Brass, and Tin; a Pocket of Hops, and Part of Ditto; 80-gallon Copper and Grate, and smaller Ditto, large mash Tub, Coolers, and Underback, with several iron-bound Tubs, Spouts, Sieves, &c. five beer Pipes, two one-hogshead Casks, and smaller Ditto, beer Stands, and numerous other Effects. - The sale will commence precisely at Eleven o’Clock.
Alehouse recognizances
1817-23: Old Crown: Robert Sinfield
1822, 28 June: Tripartite indenture (Centre for Bucks Studies AR 27/2011)
William Bowler of Winslow, malster, contracted with Richard Gutteridge of St Albans, auctioneer, to sell the Old Crown for £372 10s, but
no surrender was made. Gutteridge then contracted with Robert Sinfield of Winslow, victualler, to sell it to him for £400.
1822, 28 Oct: Court Baron (Centre for Bucks Studies, D 82/4/282)
Surrender: William Bowler of Winslow, malster, and Ann his wife
Admission: Robert Sinfield of Winslow, victualler
£400
All that Messuage or Tenement situate standing and being in the Market Square of Winslow aforesaid called or known by the name or sign of the Old Crown formerly in the occupation of Joseph Dudley, since of Richard Lomath, afterwards of Thomas Harris, now of the said Robert Sinfield … William Bowler admitted 26 October 1807 on the surrender of Thomas Bowler and Hannah his wife
1823: Directory
Crown: Robert Sinfield, Market Place
1823: Will of Robert Sinfield
1825, 31 Oct: Court Baron (Centre for Bucks Studies, D 82/4/397)
Admission of Sarah Sinfield widow of Robert Sinfield late of Winslow, victualler, deceased, to the
Old Crown … in the occupation of William Robinson
Alehouse recognizances
1823-24: Old Crown: Sarah Sinfield widow
1824-28: Old Crown: William Robinson
1830: Directory
Crown: William Robinson, Market Square
1832: Land Tax
Mrs Sinfield (owner); Richard Sharp jnr (occupier): House (Old Crown),
8s 2½d
1841: Census:
Market Square (see full return)
Richard Sharp, victuller
1844: Directory
Crown: Richard Sharp, Market Square
1850: Richard Sharp heckled a Temperance meeting on the Market Square
1851: Census
Market Square
| Richard | Sharp | Head | married | 50 | Inn keeper | b. Winslow |
| Elizabeth | Sharp | Wife | married | 57 | Inn keeper's wife | b. Brill |
1852: Bucks Chronicle, 4 Dec
FESTIVE GATHERING. – On the 23rd ult. in accordance with long-established usage, the festival of Saint Clement was commemorated at the Old Crown Inn in this town. Host Short [=Sharp] provided the company with an excellent spread, and under the presidency of Mr. A. Barton a pleasant evening was passed.
1853: Directory
Sharp, Richard, victualler - "Old Crown", Market Square
1853: Bucks Herald, 3 Dec
The time-honoured annual Saint Clement's meeting took place at the Old Crown Inn, Winslow. A respectable, but rather smaller party than usual, assembled on the occasion. Mr. Barton presided in his usual happy style, and a merry evening was spent.
1859: Bucks Herald, 11 June
TO BE LET, all that Old-Established Inn, called the “OLD CROWN,” situate in the MARKET PLACE, WINSLOW. Rent low. Licenses, fixtures, &c., about £30. Immediate possession can be had.
Apply to Mr. GEO, CROSBY, Brewery, Banbury.
1861: Census
Market Square, Old Crown
| Thomas* | Lorkin | Head | married | 40 | Butcher & victualler | b. Braintree |
| Emma | Lorkin | Wife | married | 27 | Butcher's wife | b. Braintree |
| Edward | Lorkin | Son | 10 | Scholar | b. Winslow | |
| Clara | Lorkin | Daughter | 8 | Scholar | b. Winslow | |
| Arthur | Lorkin | Son | 6 | Scholar | b. Winslow | |
| Charles | Lorkin | Son | 5 | Scholar | b. Winslow | |
| William | Lorkin | Son | 9m | b. Winslow | ||
| Rosa | Saving | Servant | unm | 17 | General servant | b. Winslow |
*The enumerator wrote the name as John. Thomas, Emma and Edward were lodgers at the house on the other side of the Rose & Crown in 1851.
1862: Thomas Lorking was involved in The Winslow beef case.
1864: Directory
William Sharp, Old Crown, Market Square
1864: Buckingham Advertiser, 3 April
The Old Crown, Winslow.
The well-situate and accustomed PUBLIC HOUSE, called “The Old Crown,” with stable for Four Horses, Chaisehouse, Brewhouse, Pigsties, and Yard, situate in the Market Square, Winslow,
TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION, BY Messrs. JOHN and JAMES KING, On Friday, April 29th, 1864, At 5 o’clock in the Afternoon, at the George Inn, Winslow, subject to conditions to be then produced.
The Property comprises The Old Crown Public House, containing Parlour, Bar, Taproom, Kitchen, Scullery, and very roomy Cellarage, with extensive stabling, Chaisehouse, Brewhouse, Pigsties, and Yard, now in the occupation of Mr. Alfred Hopcraft, and his undertenant Mr. William Sharp, at the low rent of £20 per annum.
The Premises are Copyhold of the Manor of Winslow, being subject to a Quit Rent of 4d. per annum.
May be viewed on application to the Tenant, and particulars obtained from Messrs. Willis and Willis, Solicitors, and the Auctioneers, Winslow.
1864, 31 Oct: Court Baron (Centre for Bucks Studies, D 82/6/713)
Surrender: William Sinfield of Great Brickhill, labourer
Admission: John Carr of Mursley, maltster
Consideration £310
All that Messuage or Tenement situate standing and being in the Market Place of Winslow called or known by the name or sign of the Old Crown sometime since in the occupation of Robert Sinfield afterwards of William Robinson late of Sarah Sinfield and now of Alfred Hopcraft his undertenants and assigns together with the Stables and buildings thereto belonging with one slip or piece of ground adjoining to the back of the said Stable containing by estimation thirty feet in length and in breadth nine feet at the further end adjoining or next the Straw Barn and at the hither end adjoining to the said Stable sixteen feet with full liberty of Ingress Egress and Regress to and from the said slip or piece of ground at all times with wheelbarrows and burthens through the gate formerly erected adjoining the said yard from the common street into the back part of the said Crown and stables thereto belonging to which premises the said William Sinfield was admitted 31 October 1864 as nephew and heir of Robert Sinfield deceased
The surrender was made out of court through David Thomas Willis, deputy steward, on 6 July 1864 (Centre for Bucks Studies AR 27/2011).
1870: Winslow Petty Sessions, 31 Aug
Licence of the Old Crown transferred from William Goodyer to John Davis.
1871: Census
Market Square, Crown
| William | King | Head | married | 31 | Licensed victualler | b. Nash |
| Ellen | King | Wife | married | 27 | Licensed victualler's wife | b. Swanbourne |
| George | King | Son | 8 | Scholar | b. Nash | |
| Albert | King | Son | 6 | Scholar | b. Little Horwood | |
| Jane | King | Daughter | 4 | Scholar | b. Little Horwood | |
| William | King | Son | 1 | b. Little Horwood | ||
| George | Anstee | Brother-in-law | unm | 21 | Shoemaker | b. Swanbourne |
| Elizabeth | Anstee | Sister-in-law | 11 | b. Swanbourne |
1872: Return of public houses
Old Crown: Thomas Hoskyns (occupier); Wroughton & Threlfall, Aylesbury (owners)
1872: 28 Oct (Centre for Bucks Studies AR 27/2011)
Admission of John Carr of Mursley, maltster, son and heir of John Carr, who died intestate, as tenant of the Old Crown, now in the occupation of Messrs Wroughton & Threefall [sic] or their undertenants.
1873: 27 Oct (Centre for Bucks Studies AR 27/2011)
Surrender of the Old Crown by John Carr of Mursley, miller and maltster, Sarah his wife, and Mary Carr, widow, of St Albans.
To Edward Norris Wroughton, William Musgrave Wroughton and Charles Threlfall.
£340 paid to John Carr, 10s to Mary Carr.
Now in the occupation of [blank] Hoskyns.
William Musgrave Wroughton surrendered his share to the other two on 27 May 1876.
Half was granted to Louis Edward Walker on 13 July 1894.
1875: 30 June (Centre for Bucks Studies D/WIG/2/1/1): valuation by George Wigley
Valuation of fixtures &c from Mr Daniel Guttridge to Mess(r)s Wroughton & Threlfall
Old Crown Inn Winslow Bucks
- Bed Room No 1: Roller Blind Pulley & Rack; grate as fixed
- Bed Room No 2: Roller Blind Pulley & Rack
- Bed Room No 3: grate as fixed; Roller Blind Pulley & Rack
- Bar: 6 Corner Shelves; 3 Shelves; Shelf & next Engine; Register Stove as fixed; 4 acts[?] of Beer Engine; Lead waste cistern & piping; Gas fitting; 4 shelves part of Engine
- Sculle(r)y: Plate Rack; 2 Shelves; 2 Saddle Rests & Gun rack & 2 Deal Painted Seats
- Kitchen:
grate as fixed;
2 Deal Settles Seats; Drepes with 2 Cu[??];
3 Drawers & Shelves;
Deal Iron Board with Iron Stand;
1 Quart, 2 Pints, 2 ½ pints, Quarter & ½ Quarter Pewter Mugs measures;
412 Pint Mugs - Parlour: grate as fixed; gas Burner; 4 Iron Rod to Window
- The Tap Room:
5 Deal
SettlesSeats; 4 Iron Rod to Window; Row of 4 large & 5 small pegs; Kitchen Range; Bell a pad; Deal Tap Room Table; Maple [?] D(itt)o; 4 Spittoons; Gas fitting; 2 Roller Blinds - Stable: Step ladder, 3 Lock to Bar, Cellar & Bed Room Doa
Signed: G.D.E. Wigley. Total £11 15s.
Share of Licences 5-15-6 17 Wks[?]: £2 1s 9d.
Total: £13 16s 9d. Signed: GDW
1876: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 14 March
TO LET, the OLD CROWN, WINSLOW, with Slaughter-house & Butcher’s Shop. Immediate possession.- Apply at Walton Brewery, Aylesbury.
1877: Directory
Charles Keys jnr, Old Crown, Market Square
1881: Census
Market Square, Old Crown
| John | Ray | Head | married | 46 | Licensed victualler | b. Leckhamstead |
| Martha | Ray | Wife | married | 43 | Licensed victualler's wife | b. Newton Longville |
| Hannah | Ray | Daughter | unm | 15 | No occupation | b. Stoney Stratford |
| Annie E.M. | Ray | Daughter | 11 | Scholar | b. Buckingham | |
| William J.C. | Ray | Son | 7 | Scholar | b. Brackley | |
| Thomas H. | Ray | Son | 6 | Scholar | b. Brackley | |
| Hugh J. | Ray | Son | 4 | Scholar | b. Brackley | |
| Cecil J. | Ray | Son | 2 | b. Buckingham | ||
| Kate M. | Ray | Daughter | 1 | b. Winslow |
1891: Census
Market Square
| John | Ray | Head | married | 55 | Innkeeper & waiter | b. Leckhampstead |
| Martha | Ray | Wife | married | 53 | b. Newton Longville | |
| William John Charles | Ray | Son | single | 17 | Solicitor's clerk | b. Brackley |
| Thomas Henry | Ray | Son | 15 | Pony boy | b. Brackley | |
| Hugh John | Ray | Son | 14 | In solicitor's office | b. Brackley | |
| Cecil James | Ray | Son | 12 | Scholar | b. Buckingham | |
| Kate Martha | Ray | Daughter | 11 | b. Winslow |
1891: Directory
Ray, John, Old Crown P.H., Market Square
1895: Buckingham Advertiser, 18 May (Winslow RDC)
Mr. Wise reported that the “Old Crown” Inn, Winslow, the property of Messrs. Wroughton and Parrott, brewers, Aylesbury, and occupied by John Ray, was in a most deplorable condition. Its defects (of which he gave a long list) were almost beyond description, and in short the house and buildings wanted pulling down.- It was stated that the place was in a horrible condition, and that the rent was only 1/- a week, and that the tenant was coming out of it.- It was agreed that the Medical Officer of Health should inspect and report on its state.
1895: 27 Sep (Centre for Bucks Studies AR 27/2011)
Surrender of the Old Crown, now in the occupation of John Ray, by Charles Threlfall and Louis Edward Walker and their wives.
To Thomas Walker of Winslow, builder, for £200.
Thomas Walker was admitted tenant at the manor court on 10 Feb 1896.
1895: Bucks Herald, 2 Nov (probably written by Arthur Clear)
The oldest house, in all probability, in the town of Winslow is just undergoing a welcome metamorphosis from a public house to a private one. The “Old Crown" was its name, and I imagine the prefix “old” was not bestowed upon it to distinguish it from another Crown but, so to speak, grew upon it with its age. The probability is that it was built in Tudor times, it was originally a large private residence, and stood by itself with a gabled front to the churchyard, as well as the present one to the Market-square. At what time, it became an inn there is nothing to show, but it was undoubtedly the principal one in the town – the coaching inn, the one where the great broad-wheeled wagons used to put up on their way to town. Among other things it possessed the assembly room of those days, where the strolling players and minstrels used to act their “brief parts”. The house is, of course, much smaller now than it formerly was.
1900: 4 June
Wedding of Mr John Elley of Baden Villa, St. James'-road, Watford, only surviving son of the late Mr. Charles Elley, of Winslow, and Alice, fourth daughter of Mr. Thomas Walker, of Market-square, Winslow. ... Mr. John Dickins, of Grandborough was the best man. ... The bride was attired in cream silk trimed with heliotrope and Buckinghamshire lace, with tulle veil and spray of orange blossoms.
The wedding party (Walker photos and information courtesy of Wendy Taylor):
Standing at front right: Alfred Joseph Clear (b.1856). Sitting beside him in black skirt: his wife Elizabeth (nee Elley, b.1856). To the left, in white: their daughter Rebecca Clear (b.1888).
The bride and groom are in the centre: John Elley (b.1877) and Alice Walker (b.1878).
In front of them: the bride's parents Thomas Walker (b.1847) and his wife Mary Ann (nee Shillingford, b.1846).
Sitting beside George Walker: Annie Elley (b.1878).
Sitting beside Mary Ann Walker: one of the bride's sisters.
The photo probably includes Alice's siblings
Mary (Polly) Walker who married Ernest Kemp; Sarah, William & Annie Walker; Esther Walker who married William Cripps; Arthur Walker who married Clara Hancock; Thomas Walker who married Edith Dunnings; & Amos Walker.
1901: Census
Market Square
| Thomas | Walker | Head | married | 54 | Builder (retired) | b. Winslow |
| Mary | Walker | Wife | married | 54 | b. Quainton | |
| Sarah | Walker | Daughter | single | 33 | b. Winslow | |
| Annie | Walker | Daughter | single | 28 | Dressmaker (on own account) | b. Winslow |
| Arthur | Walker | Son | single | 20 | Bricklayer (worker) | b. Winslow |
| Mary | Walker | Daughter | single | 18 | Dressmaker (on own account) | b. Winslow |
| Thomas | Walker | Son | single | 16 | Carpenter (apprentice) | b. Winslow |
| Amos | Walker | Son | single | 14 | b. Winslow |
1907: Bucks Herald, 5 Jan (perhaps written by Alfred Clear)
There is no doubt that, could they be traced, the old inns of our land would form one of the most complete links possible between the present and the past. There is an old inn at St. Albans, known as "Ye Olde Round House," which claims to be the oldest inhabited house in England, but whether the claim would hold good if properly tested is a little doubtful, to say the least. But, on the other hand, there must be many an old inn left whose name at any rate carries us back to the time of Chaucer, if the fabric has been changed, and even the latter is not all gone. For instance, until quite recently there stood in Winslow Market-place the Old Crown (now occupied as a private house), whose interior gave distinct evidence of being erected about the same time as Winslow Church Tower, and which, therefore, may have witnessed the first market held in Winslow early in the 13th century.
1910: Valuation
Walker, Thos (owner & occupier): House, 11 Market Square (photo on right)
1911: Census
Market Square (9 rooms)
| Thomas | Walker | Head | married | 64 | Retired builder | b. Winslow |
| Mary Ann | Walker | Wife | married | 64 | (9 children living, 1 dead) | b. Quainton |
| Sarah | Walker | Daughter | single | 43 | b. Winslow | |
| Amos | Walker | Son | single | 24 | Bricklayers labourer | b. Winslow |
The house became known as Perseverance House around this time; it reverted to Old Crown House in the 1970s.
1914: Assessment (TNA, IR58/2349 no.305)
Situation Market Sq
Description House
Gross Value: Buildings £ 17 Rateable Value: Buildings £13 - 10
Occupier }
Owner } T. Walker
Interest of Owner Freehold
Estimated Rent £17
Outgoings - Land Tax, £ 8/4 paid by Owner
Fixed Charges, Easements, Common Rights and Restrictions
Cartway right to other properties across land between back of house & stables
Owner’s Estimate Gross Value [red] Reserved on T. Walker Esq Market Sq Winslow 14.11.14
[red] PV 30/9/14
Particulars, description and note made on inspection
Brick & Tile house
2 sitting kitchen scullery & cellar & W.C.
4 bedrooms & 2 attics
Brick & Slate 2 stalls & loft over
Coach house loft over
Charges, Easements and Restrictions affecting Market Value of Fee Simple
[stamp] [..] FEB 1923 [green] P32591 @ Walker dec see A/C
Valuation – Market Value of Fee Simple in possession of whole property in its present condition £340
Deduct Market Value of Site under similar circumstances, but if divested of structures, timber, fruit trees, and other things growing on the land
24 front = 2400 sq feet £60
Difference Balance, being portion of market value attributable to structures, timber &c. £280
Divided as follows:-
Buildings and Structures £280
Market Value of Fee Simple in its present condition (as before) £340
Add for Additional Value by any of the following for which any deduction may have
been made when arriving at Market Value:-
Restrictions Rt of way £20 £ 20
GROSS VALUE £360
1921: Census
Market Square (8 rooms)
| Thomas | Walker | Head | married | 74 | Builder & contractor (retired) | b. Winslow |
| Mary Ann | Walker | Wife | married | 75 | Home duties | b. Quainton |
| Sarah | Walker | Daughter | single | 53 | Home duties | b. Winslow |
Centre for Bucks Studies D/WIG/2/1/79 (Dec 1922 - May 1923): Valuation of Perseverance House, Market Sq., probate of Thomas Walker.
D/WIG/2/1/84 (Feb - July 1923): Valuation of furniture at Perseverance House, probate of Mrs M.A. Walker