Bamber Bridge - Railway Inn

Name: The Railway Inn

Address: 275, Station Road, Bamber Bridge

c.1900s

The Railway Inn opened in the 1840s and is located just south of the railway line at 275 Station Road, Bamber Bridge. More recently it has been known as the "Top House" and then "Band Club". It appears that the Railway was a beer house rather than a public house i.e. licensed to only see beer and not wines and spirits and was opened following the introduction of the Beerhouse Act 1830 which relaxed licensing laws for those premises serving beer alone, opening up the market for new trade, and in this case, the rapid expansion of the railways at this time was a great source of trade.

1845 Map

Listed landlords were James Parker (1851-54), Henry Taylor (1860-61), John Threlfall (1871), James Melling (1881), William Tattersall (1891), Josiah Derbyshire (1892-1901), Thomas Gillibrand (1900s) and John Carr (1911). 

1851 Census

1854 Mannex Directory - James Parker

 Baptism: 15 Jul 1860 St Saviour, Bamber Bridge, Lancashire, England
John Taylor - Child of Henry Taylor & Ann
    Born: 31 May 1860
    Abode: Walton
    Occupation: Inn Keeper
    Baptised by: Wm. Wignall
    Register: Baptisms 1837 - 1880, Page 156, Entry 1248
    Source: LDS Film 1471151

1861 Census

1871 Census

The below press article confirms that the Railway's original purpose was as a dwelling and was only later adapted for use as a beerhouse.

Advertisements & Notices

SALE that substantially built Freehold Dwelling House, now used as a Beerhouse, called the Railway Inn, at Bamber Bridge, Preston, in the County of Lancaster, with the outbuildings and appurtenances thereto belonging. 

20 April 1878 - Preston Chronicle - Preston, Lancashire, England

1881 Census

1891 Census

WALTON AND BAMBER BRIDGE.

 Sweepstakes at Bamber Bridge— Saturday afternoon fox terrier rabbit coursing sweepstake was run on the field behind the Railway Inn, Bamber Bridge, the prizes being provided by Mr. Josiah Derbyshire, the landlord. 

17 August 1892 - Preston Herald - Preston, Lancashire, England

Marriage: 20 Sep 1897 St Saviour, Bamber Bridge, Lancashire, England
George Rawcliffe - 23 Drainer Bachelor of Whittle le Woods 
Margaret Ann Derbyshire - 21 Weaver Spinster of Bamber Bridge 
    Groom's Father: Thomas Rawcliffe, Spinner (deceased)
    Bride's Father: Josiah Derbyshire, Publican
    Witness: John P Monyhan; Caroline Derbyshire
    Married by Banns by: James Taylor Vicar
    Register: Marriages 1887 - 1900, Page 110, Entry 219

    Source: LDS Film 1471151

1901 Census

WALTON & BAMBER BRIDGE

 Rabbit Coursing—On Saturday afternoon a rabbit coursing match for £2O took place on a field near the Railway Inn, Bamber Bridge, between Hooley’s Dodger and Brade’s Lace, both Preston. The conditions were the best of courses. 

29 August 1903 - Preston Herald - Preston, Lancashire, England

1909 Map

1911 Census