Herne’s Oak

9 Dec 1905, Permission for Modifications Delayed

“THE HERNE’S OAK“-Application was made by Messrs. Faller, Story and Co., brewers, Maidenhead, for permission to carry out alterations and improvements at the Herne’s Oak, publichouse, Clewer.-In the discussion between the Magistrates, the Clerk, and the brewers’ representative, it was stated that the “Herne’s Oak” was one of the houses which were scheduled by the Magistrates last year as not being necessary; and consequently the Magistrates decided to adjourn the present application antil the annual licensing meeting of the Bench.

6 Jun 1908, Licence Refused

The “Herne’s Oak” beerhouse (on or off), Clewer Without, was next to be dealt with. Mr Foster, Chairman of the Licensing Justices of the Division, said there was a redundancy of houses in the neighbourhood, the “Bell” being only a few yards away, and better both in situation and accommodation. Similar evidence was given by Supt. Holding,and as no opposition was offered by Mr Charsley (Slough), who represented the brewers (Messrs. Fuller, Story and Co.), and the freeholders (the Gristwood trustees), the licence was refused.

Berkshire Chronicle of Saturday 06 June 1908 (page 16)

At the time, the rent paid by the occupier was £20 per annum. Assessment rateable value £18. The compensation for loss of licence was estimated to be £1,367 6s 0d. After negotiation, it was amended to £1,440 split as follows: freeholders £480, leaseholders £855 and licensee £105.

17 Apr 1915, Clewer War Fund

Sir, I would be much obliged if you will allow me to make known through the Windsor and Eton Express that we have received the following sums from the different public-houses in Clewer, in aid of our Clewer War Fund: “Herne’s Oak”, 11s …

Arthur TC Cowie, Rector of Clewer, Windsor & Eton Express

It appears that the locals continued to refer to it as a pub even after it became a general store.

1865

In early June 1865, the Windsor & Eton Express reported a story about the pub. Police Constable Lovell had gone to the pub on Sunday 14 May and gained entry. He found three men drinking beer in the kitchen. The issue? It was a Sunday, and it was before the 12.30 pm threshold. At Court, Mrs McCarthy, the landlord’s wife, claimed two were residents and one a postman who had just delivered a letter from Windsor. She offered the policeman a pint to keep the matter quiet, which was rejected. The McCarthys were found guilty and paid a fine of £3 and a further 10s in costs.

1906

The licence was conditionally renewed in Mar 1906 after much debate about the number of licensed establishments close by. The renewal stipulated that Winkworth was to discontinue keeping a shop on the premises. We know that this did happen for £140. Coincidentally, the brewery lease was also renewed for another 21 years. At that time, the premises were made up of:

• a shed in disrepair.
• a tap room (24′ by 9′ 6″) and a smaller room (11′ 3″ by 10′).
• three bedrooms for rent, and four others.
• stabling for three horses.
• three front entrances and two back doors.

1908

It was reported that the Gristwood Trust owned the freehold of the pub since 1864. John, and then his son Thomas, were farmers at Clewer Court Farm. They owned other properties in the area including several cottages in Oak Lane and Dedworth Road. They also had the Napoleon III pub,the income of which paid for the children’s education.