A History by Julie Johns
The Crown & Horseshoe public house in Oldland Common has existed for over two centuries, though its exact origin remains uncertain. Records suggest it was already operational by 1794, when a Friendly Society met there. The Quarman family is closely tied to its history, managing it for nearly a century during the 1800s. James Quarman (1757–1815) and his wife Martha LONG (1767–1848) are believed to have been its earliest owners. The Quarman family also farmed in the Oldland area with some older people still remembering a local field known as Quarman’s, field, behind 98 Cloverlea Road.
The couple had nine children, and their lineage played a crucial role in the pub’s continuity. Census records from 1841 list Martha as the publican, with several children and grandchildren residing on or near the premises. Newspaper reports from the early 1800s reflect the pub’s role as a community hub, hosting auctions, dinners for military groups like the North Somerset Yeomanry, and inquests.
By 1851, Martha’s grandson James Quarman (b.1822) was running the Crown & Horseshoe with his wife Ann (Martha having died in 1848). He continued in this role through the 1860s and 70s. His children included Alfred, Samuel, and William. Notably, James faced legal disputes, such as a trespassing case in 1867 initiated by his neighbour Jesse Fudge over the shooting of game. This was eventually dismissed due to the erratic behaviour of the accuser.
Throughout the 19th century, the pub was the site of several inquests—many tied to mining accidents, such as the deaths of George Fudge and John Bush in 1863 and young Luther Waugh in 1885. Despite such tragedies, the Crown & Horseshoe maintained a reputation as a respectable and orderly establishment, unlike other pubs often cited for licensing issues.
After James Quarman’s death in 1880, the pub was leased out. By 1891, his grandson William Henry Quarman (b.1868) had become the landlord, living there with his wife Mary and newborn daughter. That same year, however, the licence transferred to Alfred Lear, who continued running the pub into the early 1900s. Ownership changed hands in the early 20th century to W. Hall and Sons Brewery, later acquired by Georges & Co. in 1912.
The Crown & Horseshoe continued serving the community, hosting local cycling clubs, Conservative meetings, and other social functions. In 1911, it was managed by widow Eliza Drake and her son George. By 1921, Caroline Rose Marsh, previously married to George Drake (killed in WWI), held the licence. She stayed until the late 1920s.
In the 1930s, William John Elliott and his wife Winifred (“Winnie”) took over. William’s family may have had ties to Eliza Drake. Following William’s death in 1934, Winnie continued managing the pub into the 1960s. The 1939 Register shows her still living at the pub, with housekeeper Ida Parry, who later became Mayo—possibly through marriage to lodger Cyril Mayo.
The pub maintained its local importance during this time, with a popular skittles team and continued use by clubs like Bitton A.F.C., which celebrated its 20th anniversary there in 1939. Anecdotes from the 1940s describe a hollow tree on the premises, affectionately dubbed “The Hole in the Tree” by children.
In the late twentieth century the pub was managed by Ken & Rita Dando, then Dave & Pauline Scrase.
Through generations, the Crown & Horseshoe has stood as a cornerstone of community life in Oldland Common—hosting social gatherings, supporting local causes, and serving as home to generations of the Quarman family and others who carried on its legacy.
Our local pubs both past and present have featured in many articles written by either Julie Johns or David Noble published by Bitton Parish History Group. For further information please visit www.bittonhistory.org.uk