Genealogy Chat

I have found my relatives in a directory from 1834, running a Beer House. Does anyone know what one was, the Inns & Taverns had names (like The Red Lion etc) but the Beer Houses just have the name of the proprietor and the address so I assume there is a difference and wondered if anyone knew what it was? Sam

I think its just a low grade pub without frills. Perhaps somewhere that brewed its own beer to sell - found this by googling: The public house was a 19th century development, distinctive from the earlier BEER HOUSE by its decorative treatment and fittings. so your beer house was rather basic - no jukebox or kareoke or quiz night! nell

My understanding is that Inns had accommodation, Taverns sold beer, ale, wine & spirits & Beer houses made beer in the kitchen & sold it in the parlour. Vivienne

I think you'll find that a beer or ale house was usually someones front room and they brewed their own beer on the premises. A sensible option when brewing destroys water borne disease.

That seems to add up because the 1841 census gives his occupation as a 'Brewer'. Thanks Sam x

Hi Sam - I also had some rellies running a Beer House in Tutbury in Staffordshire. I thought that perhaps they sold beer from their house a bit like an off-licence. Could be wrong of course.

I also had rellies with beer houses and also others with pubs (hic!). I believe a beer house license only allowed you to sell beer and ale, whereas a pub licence could sell wines and spirits as well. I also have the sale details of my gg grandfather's beer house, also detailing the tables and benches it contained. It was not the house they were living in - more like a lock up shop I imagine. Anne