Chorley's Inns and Taverns: Horwich

Name: The Albert Arms

Address: 114, Lee Lane, Horwich

Originally known as the Albert Arms or Albert Inn this pub dates back to the mid-1800s and commands a prominent position on the corner of Mottram Street and Lee Lane in Horwich. It was no doubt opened in the 1840s and given its name following the marriage of Queen Victoria to Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. Eventually Victoria was added to the name but not until the 20th century and in all probability, after the monarch's death.

1845 Map

Listed landlords were Robert Hopwood (1851), Francis Polly (1861), Ann Bradley (1868), Edward Challender (1871-73), Joseph Lord (1873- 81), Thomas Lord (1891-95), Frederick Lord (1901-05), Thomas Blond (1911), John Taylor (1924) and Matt Rees (2024-).

1851 Census Robert Hopwood - Lee Gate

1861 Census Francis Polly Beerseller & Farmer of 24 acres

1871 Census Edward Challender Beerseller

09 May 1873 - Wigan Observer and District Advertiser
Albert Arms, Horwich, from Edward Challinor to Joseph Lord;
Ringer’s Arms, Blackrod, from the administration of William Higson to Ann Higson

Joseph Lord was born in Ashworth in Lancashire and brought up in Horwich, the son of a stone mason, James Lord.

1876-77 Post Office Directory Joseph Lord

Shortly after the above directory was published Joseph lost his first wife, Fanny at the age of just 50 years. A year later, he remarried a local lass from Bolton, Ann Blinkhorn and the Lord family were to remain at the Albert for over 30 years.

Marriage: 30 Apr 1878 St George, Bolton, Lancashire

Joseph Lord - Full, Beerseller, Widower, Horwich

Ann Blinkhorn - Full, Widow, 13 Buxton Street, Bolton

Groom's Father: James Lord, Stonemason

Bride's Father: William Thorp, Clerk

Witnesses: William Bowker Birch; Mary Elizabeth Birch

Married by Licence by Neville Jones, Vicar

Marriage: 14 Apr 1880 Horwich Chapel, Horwich, Lancs.

Robert Taylor - (X), 23 Farm Labourer Bachelor of Horwich

Mary Ellen Lord - 20 Spinster of Horwich

Groom's Father: William Taylor, Roller Coverer

Bride's Father: Joseph Lord, Inn Keeper

Witness: Frederick Lord; Eliza Thorp

Married by Banns by: William S.F. Maynard, Curate

27 August 1880 - Wigan Observer and District Advertiser
The first annual Albert flower and vegetable show was held on Saturday, at the house of Mr. Joseph Lord, Albert Inn, Horwich, when there were twenty-eight exhibitors and nearly £3O was given in prizes.