Friendship Inn, Acre Side Lane, Meltham
Details
- also known as: Friendships Inn, Jimmy Johnson's
- location: Acre Side Road (now Acre Lane), Meltham
- status: exists but under a different use
- category: public house, beerhouse, inn, etc.
The Friendship Inn beerhouse was opened in the early 1830s by James Johnson (c.1803-1869) and was known locally by the nickname "Jimmy Johnson's".[1]
The inn’s name was used for the Loyal "Friendship" Lodge (No. 1207) of the Independent Order of Oddfellows (Manchester Unity), which was formed in 1837 at Meltham Mills and met at the premises. Both William Leigh Brook and his brother Charles (of the firm Jonas Brook & Brothers) were linked to the Lodge, as was J. W. Carlile who presided over the Lodge’s 1858 dinner.
Other friendly societies met at the inn, including Lodge No. 3 of the Ancient Order of Druidesses and Court "Lily of the Valley" (No. 2351) of the Ancient Foresters.
After James’ death in 1869, his widow[2] Frances (also known as Fanny) became the licensee. However, by the time of the 1871 Census, she had become the innkeeper of the Fleece Inn (now Golden Fleece) situated on the Huddersfield & Woodhead Turnpike road (now Woodhead Road) between Berry Brow and Honley.
The premises is believed to have closed prior to the 1871 Census, following Frances' move away from Meltham Mills. The census of that year lists no licensed premises on Acre Lane.
Licensees, Landlords and Publicans
- 1851 Census — innkeeper and farmer of 15 acres James Johnson (47)
- 1861 Census — widow innkeeper and farmer James Johnson (aged 57)
Further Reading
Location
Notes and References
- ↑ In The Story of Meltham (1977) by Richard Orton, the inn's name is given as "Jenny Johnson's", which is presumably an error.
- ↑ James married three times: Esther Haigh (25 October 1831), Sarah Kaye (9 October 1844) and Frances Hutchinson (14 August 1865).