Home > Gloucestershire > Bristol > BS1 > Crown & Dove Crown & Dove

The Crown & Dove was situated on Bridewell Lane.

Crown & Dove timeline

1814: The Crown and Dove on Bridewell Lane was already established by 1814. A death notice for Mr. John Hill of the Crown and Dove, Bridewell Lane was published in the Bristol Times and Mirror on 6 August 1814 (page 3). 1830: Richard Griffiths was the licensee in 1830 of Tavern / Public House, Crown & Dove, Bridewell Lane. Pigot’s Directory of Gloucestershire, 1830. 1836: General List of Names: “Thomas, Wm., Crown and Dove, Bridewell Lane." (Page 169) Public Houses: “Crown and Dove, Bridewell street, Wm. Thomas." (Page 242) Source: M. Mathews and Son (1836), Mathews’s Annual Bristol Directory and Commercial List (38th Edition). Printed and Sold by M. Mathews and Son, Bristol. 1838: “Wm. D. Way was charged with stealing a piece of lead pipe from the dwelling-house of Mr. Toleman, Crown and Dove tavern, Bridewell-lane ..." Source: “Bristol Police. – Wednesday.", Bristol Mercury, 9 June 1838, Page 4. 1838: “Robert Parker was charged with assaulting policeman 89." The officer stated, “...at 12 o’clock on Saturday night, he was called by Mr. Toleman, the landlord of the Crown and Dove Tavern, Bridewell-lane, to apprehend some persons who were creating a disturbance ..." Source: “Bristol Police.--Monday.", Bristol Mercury, 29 September 1838, Page 4. 1838: “Sept. 29, aged 21, Elizabeth, wife of Mr. Toleman, Crown and Dove, Bridewell-lane, and only dau. of Mr. Olive, Star, Castle-st." Source: “Died", Bristol Mercury, 13 October 1838, Page 3. 1841: “To Carpenters and Joiners. Notice is hereby given, that the Old Society of Carpenters, formerly held at the Trout Tavern, Cherry-lane, Bristol, is now Removed to a new and commodious Room at J. Bidgood’s, Crown and Dove, Bridewell-street. N.B. The Members of the above Society are requested to attend at the Crown and Dove on the ensuing Monthly Night. Source: “Advertisements & Notices", Bristol Mercury, 8 May 1841, Page 5. There are thousands of newspaper articles mentioning the Crown and Dove, Bridewell. Starting about this time are notices like the above for meetings of trade associations, others include Coroner inquests, and meetings or dinners for sport clubs, friendly societies, Military Units, Award ceremony at dinner, police dinners, etc. Post World War Two there were several meetings of veteran groups, dances and concerts; into the 60’s there were bands which led to a Jazz band performing weekly at the hotel, and martial arts classes. 1841: The 1841 Census of England, Wales and Scotland has an entry for John Bidgood on Bridewell Lane, Age (50-55), Publican, Not born in Gloucestershire. He is living with his wife, Charity, and two children, John and Ellen. (It appears their son Henry was missed on this census.) 1844: All Saints’ Church underwent improvements and the Churchwardens and vestry took the tradesmen to a dinner of “good old English fare" of roast beef and plum pudding at, “the house of Mr. Bidgood, Crown and Dove, Bridewell-street". (36 in the party.) Source: “All Saints’ Church", Bristol Mercury, 20 January 1844, page 8. It appears that Mr Bidgood died twice ... 1845: February 6, aged 51 years, Mr. John Bidgood, landlord of the Crown and Dove, Bridewell-street. Source: “Deaths", Bristol Mirror, 8 March 1845, Page 8. 1845: March 12, at Bristol:--Mr. J. Bidgood, landlord of the Crown & Dove. Source: “Deaths", Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard, 18 March 1845, page 3. Auction notice with a description of the hotel: 1848: Auction Notice: “... that old-established and well-accustomed Public-House, called The Crown and Dove, situate in Bridewell-Street, in the City of Bristol, for many years past in the occupation of the late Mr. Bidgood, and now of his Widow, as yearly tenant. The House comprises a Bar, Front Parlour, a large Room on the first Floor, five Bedrooms, two good Kitchens, two Cellars, and Brewhouse, and there is an excellent supply of water on the Premises. There is a large Club-room attached to the House, 31 feet by 18, in which various clubs hold their periodical meetings." Source: “Notices-Freehold Public-House. To be Sold by Auction", Bristol Times and Mirror, 18 March 1848, Page 2. But not the end for Mrs. Bidgood: 1851: “Bidgood C. Vict. Crown and Dove, Bridewell street." Heading: General list of names of the gentry, merchants, professors, & tradesmen of Bristol. (Note: there is an entry for the licensee, James Stinchcombe, of the Crown and Dove on Dove street.) Source: Matthew Mathews (1851), Mathews’s Annual Bristol and Clifton Directory, and Almanack (53rd edition.). Printed and Published by Matthew Mathews, Page 72. 1851: The census for 1851 for England, Wales and Scotland lists Charity Bidgood, Widow, 59, Licensed victualler. 7 Bridewell Street. Charity’s children, John (27) a journeyman carpenter, Henry (19) an apprentice to a plumber, and Ellen (16) a Dressmakers apprentice. 1861: Crown & Dove, 7 Bridewell Street is listed on the 1861 census of England, Wales and Scotland. Charity Bidgood, Widow, 71, Victualler (Born Devon); John Bidgood, Unmarried, 34, Carpenter; Henry Bidgood, Unmarried, 27, Plumber; and Ellen Bidgood, Unmarried, 24, Dressmaker. 1862: On the 26th inst., at Creech St. Michael’s, near Taunton, aged 39 years, John, eldest son of Mrs Charity Bidgood, of the Crown and Dove Inn, Bridewell Street, in this city, greatly respected by a large circle of friends. Source: “Deaths", Western Daily Press, 28 June 1862, Page 3. 1863: September 13, at Creech St. Michael, near Taunton, after a short but painful illness, Henry, only son of Mrs. C. Bidgood, of the Crown and Dove Tavern, Bridewell-street, deeply regretted. Source: “Deaths", Bristol Times and Mirror, 19 September 1863, Page 5. 1866: Commercial Directory: “Bidgood, Charity (Mrs.), Crown & Dove, 6 Bridewell street." (Page 85) Public Houses: “Crown and Dove, Mrs. C. Bidgood, 6 Bridewell Street" (Page 165) Street List: Bridewell: Crown & Dove, Mrs. Charity Bidgood (Page 12) [It isn’t shown on the street list with an address, it falls between #5 and #9.] Source: Kelly and Co. (1866), The Post Office Directory of Somerset and Devon with Bristol. Printed and Published by Kelly and Co., London And it appears Charity Bidgood died twice ... The death registration was likely filed in 1869 as she likely died in December 1868. 1868: “On the 21st Dec., at her residence, Crown and Dove Inn, Bridewell Street, aged 79 years, Charity Bidgood. Source: “Deaths", Western Daily Press, 22 January 1869, Page 4. 1869: Bidgood, Charity, Age 78, Deaths, Year 1869, Quarter: Jan-Feb-Mar, District: Bristol, Volume 6a, Page 30. Source: Death index, General Register Office (GRO), Southport, England. 1869: The Crown and Dove, Bridewell-street, to Thomas Hughes. Source: “Transfer of Licenses", Bristol Times and Mirror, 12 May 1869. 1871: Bridewell Street Crown and Dove, St James, Bristol, Gloucestershire, England Thomas Hughes, Head, Age 35, Licensed victualler, born: Willington Pembrokeshire, Wales. Ellen Hughes, Wife, Age 33, Born: Bristol, Gloucestershire, England. Source: 1871 Census for England, Wales and Scotland. 1881: Crown & Dove, 7, Bridewell Street, Bristol St James (In), Bristol, Gloucestershire, England Thomas Hughes, Head, Age 45, Licensed victualler, Lamphey, Pembrokeshire, Wales. Ellen Hughes, Wife, Age 43, , Bristol, Gloucestershire, England. 1881 Census of England, Wales and Scotland. 1883 “Crown & Dove, Thomas Hughes, 6 Bridewell Street" Source: E.R. Kelly (1883), Kelly’s Directory of Somersetshire, with the City of Bristol, Printed and Published by Kelly and Co., London. Page 921. 1887: Although not directly addressed in the article, it appears that the Crown and Dove was expropriated for the laying of new tramway tracks. “...they are only waiting the pulling down of the front of the Crown and Dove in order to carry their double line along Bridewell street. It is understood that the frontage of the Crown and Dove inn will be taken down in three weeks, and the company will then put in their second line of rails in front of the site, so as to join up the track with the Horfield section, and to open the traffic to the Drawbridge forthwith." Source: “The Talk of Bristol", Bristol Mercury, 17 October 1887, page 8. 1887: “Preliminary Notice. Streets Improvements. Crown and Dove Tavern, Bridewell Street, Bristol. Re-building of the above tavern. In consequence of the “Crown and Dove" having to be re-built, Mr E.T. Lewis has received instructions to sell by auction, on Monday, November 7th, 1887, on the Premises as above, The Brewing Plant, Store Casks, Bar Fittings, Trade Utensils, Fixtures, and other Effects. Particulars in future Advertisements, and at the Auctioneer’s Offices, Rupert Street, Bristol." Source: “Notices", Bristol Mercury, 29 October 1887. 1888: “Builders’ Contracts.--The following contracts have been received for the erection of The Crown and Dove Tavern, Bridewell Street, Bristol (Mr William Bruce Gingell, architect, and Mr A. Barratt, quality surveyor):--E. Waiters, £2,250; Lewis and Sons, £2,209, E. Gay, £2,115; H. A. Forse, £2,090; Cowlin and Son, £2,075; George Humphreys, £2,069; T.R. Lewis £2,047; E. Love, £2,024; W. Veals, £1,994; C. A. Hayes, £1,987; Stephens, Bastow, and Co., £1,979; Beacham and Balmont, £1,965; W.Brock and Son, £1,870 (accepted); J.E. Davis (too late). Source: “Builders’ Contracts", Western Daily Press, 5 April 1888, Page 5. According to this letter, printed in the Western Daily Press, the Crown and Dove had not operated in the prior three years. 1888: Letter to, “the Overseers of the Poor of the Parish of St. James, in the City and County of Bristol, and to the Superintendent of Police of the District. I James Henry Lockley, Brewer, now residing at Stratford House, Sneyd Park, in the County of Gloucester, and for six months last past have resided there, do hereby give Notice that in consequence of the house and premises kept by Thomas Hughes, as an Inn, Alehouse, or Victualling House, and duly licensed for that purpose, situate at Bridewell Street, and known by the sign of the “Crown and Dove," having been pulled down for public street improvements, it is my intention to apply at the adjourned General Annual Licensing Meeting, to be holden at the Petty Sessional Court House, in the said city and county, on the 19th day of September next, for a Licence to sell Exciseable Liquors by retail, to be drunk or consumed in the house or premises belonging to me, situate and being new premises, erected on the site of the Crown and Dove aforesaid, within the said City and County of Bristol, of which I am the owner, and which said premises have not been kept or used as an Inn, Alehouse, or Victualling House, or Beerhouse within the last three years and which I, as new occupier thereof, intend to keep as an Inn, Alehouse, or Victualling House. Given under my hand this 22nd day of August 1888. James Henry Lockley." Source: “Notices", Western Daily Press, 27 August 1888, Page 4. 1888: “Application was made for a licence for the Crown and Dove, Bridewell Street. Mr Gore pointed out that a licence had been held for many years by the old Crown and Dove, which was pulled down for street improvements. The premises were now being rebuilt by Mr J. Lockley, who now applied for a licence. Mr Lockley produced the plans of the new building, which he stated would be completed in October. Their worships granted the licence subject to an inspection of the premises." Source: “Bristol Annual Licensing Session", Western Daily Press, 27 September 1888, page 3. Description of the rebuilt Crown and Dove:  “The New Crown and Dove.--The handsome and commodious building which Messrs Lockley and Son have erected on the site of the old Crown and Dove public-house, Bridewell street, will be opened for business in the course of the ensuing week, The premises have been erected by Messrs Brock and Son, from designs prepared by Mr W. B. Gingell, and stands on the ground formerly occupied by some three or four houses. The edifice has a frontage of 80 feet, is three storeys high, and has a considerable depth. It is built of brick with freestone dressings, and the sign of the house which stood for so long on this spot has been preserved by carvings of a crown and dove, out of the tops of the columns on each side of the doorways. The bar has been tastefully fitted up by Messrs Bartlett and Sons, and every effort has been made to provide for the transaction of business with comfort. The bar includes a public counter with separate entrance, a private bar, and a luncheon bar, and the rear is a luncheon parlour and smoking-room. A commodious and lofty club room, 50 feet by 20 feet, has been fitted with every regard to the modern requirements, and is provided with committee room and lavatories, together with a private entrance which can be made quite distinct from the public portion of the premises. In the upper part of the windows on the ground floor are displayed in stained glass the arms and emblems of various friendly and trade societies. This portion of the work has been executed by Messrs Bell and Son, College green. Extensive cellarage has been provided, and here pieces capable of holding from 500 to 700 gallons are being erected. The upper portion of the premises are fitted up as bedrooms and as apartments for the manager, Mr David Crombie. The whole of the work, with the exception of the foundations, which were put in by Messrs Beachim and Belmont, was done by Messrs Brock and Son, the clerk of the works being Mr Palmer." Source: “The New Crown and Dove", Bristol Mercury, 17 December 1888, Page 5. 1889: “Hughes.--Oct. 9, at 120, Gloucester Road, Bishopston after a short illness, Thomas Hughes, aged 54, formerly of the Crown and Dove Inn, Bridewell Street. Deeply regretted." Source: “Deaths", Western Daily Press, 11 October 1889, Page 8. 1889: “Your committee are sorry to have to announce that during the past quarter death has taken away two of our members, Mr Osborne, of the Three Blackbirds, Stapleton Road, and Mr Thomas Hughes of Gloucester Road, and late of the Crown and Dove, Bridewell Street, and who took considerable interest in your society, served on the committee for some years, and was much respected by a large circle of acquaintances for his urbanity, civility, and straightforward conduct. Your committee followed his remains to their resting place only yesterday. ..." Source: “Bristol Licensed Victuallers’ Association.", Western Daily Press, 16 October 1889, Page 7. This brings to an end the period of Thomas Hughes management of the Crown and Dove. During this period there were almost daily help wanted newspaper notices for staff – Contrasting this with later periods, it appears that Mr. Hughes was not willing to pay staff at a competitive level which led to a constant need to hire new staff. 1890: “Crombie.--July 18, at the Crown and Dove, Bridewell Street, the wife of David Crombie, of a son." Source: “Births", Western Daily Press, 19 July 1890, Page 8. 1890: “David Crombie, Male, Birth Date: 18 Jul 1890, Christening Date: 22 Aug 1890, Place: Bristol, Gloucestershire, England; Parents: David and Emma Crombie." Source: Ancestry.com. England & Wales, Christening Index, 1530-1980 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2008. Original data: Genealogical Society of Utah. British Isles Vital Records Index, 2nd Edition. Salt Lake City, Utah: Intellectual Reserve, copyright 2002. 1891: Crown & Dove, Bridewell Street, Bristol, Gloucestershire, England David Crombie, Head, Age 26, Licensed victualler, Morayshire, Scotland. Emma Crombie, Wife, Age 28, Bristol, Gloucestershire, England. Source: 1891 Census of England, Wales and Scotland. 1891: “Glass Embossing in Bristol.--The largest embossed and mirrored plate in Bristol, size 9ft. 6in. by 7ft. 6in., has just been placed in the private bar of the Crown and Dove, Bridewell Street, for the Bristol United Breweries, Limited, by H. and J. Inch, 24 Newfoundland Street." Source: “Glass Embossing in Bristol.", Western Daily Press, 16 July 1891, Page 5. This article mentions that David Crombie is leaving the Crown and Dove for a position at Mr. Dunlop’s restaurant on Baldwin Street. That restaurant is the St. Stephens Restaurant, Baldwin Street. 1892: “Presentation.--An interesting presentation too place at the Crown and Dove Hotel, Bridewell Street, on Friday evening, on the occasion of the weekly meeting of the Dove’s society, over with Mr. H. Griffin presided. Mr David Crombie, who has been the host at the above hotel since its opening, having accepted the management of Mr Dunlop’s restaurant in Baldwin Street, his customers and friends took advantage of the opportunity to present him with a handsome armchair, a davenport, and cutlery, to testify to their appreciation of his courtesy and attention. A magnificently illuminated address accompanied the articles. The company present numbered over a hundred, and the presentation was made in a few well-chosen remarks by Mr Henry Inch, who spoke of the regret that Mr Crombie’s friends felt at his leaving the Crown and Dove, and heartily wishing him every success in his new position. Mr George Ingram also spoke, fully endorsing the remarks of Mr Inch. The presentation was suitably acknowledged by Mr Crombie, who expressed his thanks for the kind manner in which his services had been recognised by his customers and friends. Source: “Presentation", Western Daily Press, 8 February 1892, Page 6. 1892: adverts for Crown and Dove, mention R. G. Mitchell Bristol Mercury: March 9, March 15, October 13. Bristol Times and Mirror: March 30 & April 27. 1892: “Bristol Licensing Session – Alehouses. Crown and Dove, Bridewell-street (singing and music), from David Crombie to Maurice Reynolds. Source: “Bristol Licensing Session", Bristol Times and Mirror, 7 April 1892, page 8. 1892: “Dove’s Harmonic Society dinner at the Crown and Dove. Host: Mr. Mitchell, (David Crombie in attendance.) Source “Local News", Bristol Times and Mirror, 12 October 1892, Page 5. 1892: “A New Dining Room.--"Where to dine" is an important question with those whose business avocations compel them to have dinner in town in the middle of the day, and additions to first class restaurants are greatly appreciated. This week a new dining room has been opened at the Crown and Dove, Bridewell street, and bids fair to command a large amount of patronage. It is on the first floor of the inn, and is approached by a staircase from a private entrance in Bridewell street. It is a lofty, well proportioned apartment, and it is capitally lighted, ventilated, and warmed. Around the walls runs a dado of varnished pitch pine, surmounted by panels of plate glass in gold beaded frames and ornamented with representations of the Crown and Dove. The room is capable of dining 70 or 80 persons at once, and the tables can be arranged to accommodate a number of separate dinner parties. At night illumination is supplied by a sunlight in the centre of the ceiling and by handsome gas brackets placed at intervals around the room, which presents a very cosy and comfortable appearance. Attached to the apartment are commodious cloakrooms and lavatories. When not required for dining purposes the room will be at liberty for auctions sales, smoking concerts, and meetings. Adjoining is a spacious room where 14 clubs and friendly societies hold their meetings. Source: “A New Dining Room.", Bristol Mercury, 9 November 1892, Page 3. St. Stephens Restaurant, Baldwin Street: There are several mentions of Mr D. Crombie, manager of the restaurant between 29 June 1892 and 6 February 1893. 1893 “It will be seen by an advertisement in another column that Mr. David Crombie has returned to his old house, the Crown and Dove hotel, Bridewell street, which he has much improved by the addition of a new luncheon bar, &c. Source: “Local News", Bristol Times and Mirror, 2 June 1893, Page 5. 1897 “Commemoration of the Queen’s record reign. The illuminations and decorations of the city are on a more extensive scale than has ever before been attempted. ... The Hotels and licensed houses are very much to the front in the matter of illuminating, and one of the most effective sights will be the “Crown and Dove" in Bridewell Street." Source: “The Local Celebrations", Bristol Magpie, 24 June 1897, Page 16. 1898: Crombie, Emma; Age 35; Year: 1898, Quarter: Apr-May-Jun; District: Bristol; Volume 6a, Page 24. Source: GRO death index. 1901: Crown & Dove, David Crombie, Head, Age 36, License victualler (Pub), Scotland, Elgin. Source: 1901 Census of England, Wales and Scotland. 1904: “Crombie–Swinchatt.--Jan. 26, at Holy Trinity Church, Smethwick, by the Rev.James Whiteley, M.A., by special licence, David Crombie, of Bristol, eldest son of David Crombie Clattern-briggs, Elgin, Scotland, to Kate Eunice Constance, fourth daughter of the late H. J. Swinchatt, of Dudley, and Mrs Swinchatt, of The Limes, South Road, Smethwick." Source: “Marriages", Western Daily Press, 27 January 1904, Page 10. 1909: The SS Waratah was reported missing while returning from Australia. Mrs. Crombie, wife of the licensee of the Crown and Dove Hotel, Bridewell Street inquired about her sister-in-law and mother-in-law who were reported to be aboard the ship. (David Crombie’s Mother and sister.) Current (2026) information is that the SS Waratah disappeared on July 27, 1909, taking 211 passengers and crew with it. Source: “An Improbable Story", Bristol Times and Mirror, 21 September 1909, Page 10. Story about the latest renovations at the Crown and Dove: 1910: “The Crown and Dove Hotel, Bridewell Street.--Mr David Crombie, the enterprising and popular proprietor of the Crown and Dove Hotel, Bridewell Street–a hostelry which is the headquarters of a number of important organisations, athletic, provident, and social–has recently brought his commodious premises more in accord with modern requirements, necessitated, of course, by an increasing clientele. The Bridewell Street house has recently undergone important renovations and improvements, which are now satisfactorily completed. The most noteworthy alteration is the new luncheon and dining-room, which is tastefully and conveniently arranged, the decorations being artistic and the interior “details" complete. There are now separate tables, which it is mentioned, can be booked by telephone. The cuisine, it is added, will be of a first-class description, the tariff being at the same time, very moderate. There is also a well-arranged billiard-room, with a first-class table. Other changes have been effected, all of which cannot fail to be appreciated by Mr David Crombie’s numerous customers. The structural alterations, it may be added, were carried out by Mr F. C. Chown. Source: “The Crown and Dove Hotel, Bridewell Street", Western Daily Press, 22 September 1910, page 7. 1911: “Crown and Dove Hotel Bridewell St, Bristol, Gloucestershire, England David Crombie, Head, Age 46, Licensed victualler / Hotel Proprietor, Speymouth, (Moray), Scotland. Kate Crombie, Wife, Age 36, Assisting in Business, St John, Dudley; Kate Crombie, daughter, Age 6, , St James, Bristol, Gloucestershire, England; Source: 1911 Census of England and Wales. First mention of the Crown and Dove being located on Rupert Street. It appears that this a rear entrance to the hotel. It is primarily mentioned by groups meeting at the hotel where the hotel advertises using the Bridewell street entrance. 1914: “(City of Bristol) Battalion Gloucester Regiment, ... Company Dinner: The Annual dinner and prize distribution of E Company will take place at the Crown and Dove Hotel, Rupert Street ..." Source: “Company Dinner", Western Daily Press, 9 February 1914, Page 6. 1914: “Bristol and District Beer, Spirit & Wine Trade Protection & Benevolent Association. – The 43rd Annual Meeting of the above Association will be held at the Crown and Dove Hotel, Bridewell street (Mr. David Crombie). ..." Source: “Public Notices", Western Daily Press, 26 May 1914, page 6. During David Crombie’s tenure at the Crown and Dove there were fewer help wanted notices than during Thomas Hughes time. Some of these ads included statements like, “good wages to competent persons", which indicates that Mr Crombie was willing to pay higher wages in order to keep good staff, reducing the amount of time spent on recruiting and training new staff. 1921 4 / 5 Bridewell street, Bristol, Gloucestershire, England. Horace Edgar Hill, Head, age 47, London, Licensed victualler / employer. Louisa Ann Hill, Wife, age 46, London, Licensed victualler assistant. Emma Hill, mother, age 73, London. Helen Hutchings, servant, Age 43, Devon, Occupation: Domestic Servant / Employer: H E Hill Licensed Victualler, Crown & Dove Hotel. Esthel Sperring, Cook, Age 26, Burnham, Somerset, England, Occupation: Cook, / Employer: H E Hill Licensed Victualler, Crown & Dove Hotel Maud Gully, Barmaid, Age 40, Gloucestershire, England, Occupation: Barmaid / Employer: H E Hill Licensed Victualler, Crown & Dove Hotel Source: 1921 Census of England and Wales. 1921: “The Crown and Dove Hotel, Bridewell street, Bristol. To let for private dances, concerts, whist drives, auction sales, &c. Spacious rooms fitted with every convenience. For terms apply:--Horace E. Hill (Proprietor). Tel. 3184." Source: “Notices", Western Daily Press, 20 January, 1921, Page 1. 1921: “The Crown and Dove Hotel, Bridewell Street, Bristol. – E. J. Godden begs to announce that he has taken over the proprietorship of the above, and it is proposed with its spacious and well-appointed rooms to serve daily luncheons, Teas, Dinners and Suppers. Large parties can be catered for at moderate terms. Real good English cooking. Tea and coffee can be had at any time. There are also comfortable bedrooms for visitors coming to Bristol. Catering will commence Monday next, December 12. Bristol United Beers in Bottle and Draught and Wines and Spirits of the best quality supplied. Source: “The Crown and Dove Hotel.", Western Daily Press, 9 December 1921. 1924: “Another Concert. To assist the Lord Mayor’s appeal Miss Lilian Bale (soprano) has organised a concert, which is to be held at the Crown and Dove Hotel, Bridewell Street, on December 16. She will be assisted by a number of well-known Bristol artists. Mr Godden, the proprietor, has lent the hall, and the whole of the proceeds will be devoted to the fund. Admission to the concert will be by ticket only, price 1s each, obtainable of Mr Godden, Crown and Dove Hotel, or Mr Alf. E. Hurd, 9, Armada Place, Stokes Croft. Source: “Another Concert", Western Daily Press, 9 December 1924, Page 8. 1928: “Tom Conrad Simpson said he became the licensee of the Crown and Dove in Bridewell Street on November 15 Last. He was closing the house at 2:30 on Nov 22, when his son called out: “Don’t shut the door. There’s someone here." Witness went into the bar and saw defendant, who was a total stranger to him. He had a glass of beer in front of him, and witness told him to finish his drink, as it was close on time. The man explained that it was “quite all right." He was “one of the big men over the road." Mr Simpson replied, “I am sorry, but you must drink up," and then the man told him he had just come from Leicester on an arrest case, and felt rather cold. Asked his name, the man replied “Oh that is a thing we never do." Witness insisted that he couldn’t serve him in the ordinary way, but asked the man to have a whisky with him. ..." Source: “Bogus Policeman’s Boast", Western Daily Press, 14 December 1928, Page 14. 1930: “Troublesome Son’s Escapades. How Bristol Licensee Caught Would-be Car Thief. – The Bristol magistrates (Mr J. L. Brown in the chair) commended Mr Conrad Simpson licensee of the Crown and Dove Hotel at the Bristol Court yesterday, for catching Ronald Gelsthorpe of Newcastle-on-Tyne, who was charged with attempting to steal a motor-car from Bridewell Street on September 12. Mr Simpson, who owned the car, which was valued at £300 left it in Bridewell Street and went into the hotel. Some minutes later, on going to the door of the hotel he saw defendant get into the car and turn off the lights. He went over to the car, and a chase ensued. Gelsthorpe being caught in Nelson Street. He said he did not intend to steal the car, but only steal something to eat. Father Refuses. Sergeant Williams, C.I.D. gave evidence of arrest. Inspector Wood, C.I.D., said that defendant had been bound over in Derbyshire in 1928 for stealing a bicycle and at Highgate and Brampton this year for stealing a car and bicycle at the respective places. Gelsthorpe who was a native of Gunthorpe (Notts.) and not 17 years old admitted other offences in Brighton and Brixton, and asked that these might also be taken into consideration. Other offences at Cooper’s Green and Uckfield were not taken into account. A letter from defendant’s father said that he refused to have anything to do with his son as he had given him so much trouble. Gelsthorpe was sent to prison for three months." Source: “Troublesome Son’s Escapades.", Western Daily Press, 20 September 1930, page 4. 1931: Funeral in Cornwall. The funeral of Mr David Crombie, formerly, and for many years, the host of the Crown and Dove, Bridewell Street, Bristol, took place on Monday at Lelant, Cornwall. ... The mourners were Mrs David Crombie, Miss Kitty Crombie (daughter), Mr Tom Crombie (son) ... Mr. Crombie had been at the Lelant Hotel for only two years when he died. He made Many friends during that time, and there was a large attendance of villagers at the funeral ceremony. ..." Source: “The Late Mr David Crombie", Western Daily Press, 11 February 1931, Page 5. 1932: “The licensee of the Crown and Dove, Bridewell Street, Herbert George Watjen." From a court proceeding about a con man who was presenting himself under three different names and passing bad cheques. Source: “Man with Three Names Sent to Prison", Western Daily Press, 3 September 1932, Page 6. 1937: “Mr K Humphries–Miss M.K. Watjen at St. Mary’s-on-the-Quay. ... Mr Kenneth Humphries of Cheddar with Miss Mary Katherine Watjen, third daughter of Mr and Mrs H.G. Watjen, of the Crown and Dove, Bridewell Street, Bristol ..." Source: “West Country Weddings", Western Daily Press, 2 August 1937, Page 4. 1938: (Death) Late Mr. Edward Watjen, son of Mr and Mrs H.G. Watjen of the Crown and Dove Hotel, Bridewell Street, Bristol. Source: “Late Mr. Edward Watjen", Western Daily Press, 2 July 1938, Page 8. 1939 “Herbert George Watjen, Licensee, Crown and Dove, Bridewell Street." Source: The National Archives; Kew, London, England; 1939 Register; Reference: RG 101/4982J; Borough/District: OACG/Bristol; Schedule Number: 237; Sub-number: 1. 1941 “Transfer of Licences The following transfers were granted :-- Ale Houses – Crown and Dove Bridewell Street, from H.G. Watjen to L.W. Larke ..." Source: “Transfer of Licences", Western Daily Press, 2 December 1941, Page 2. 1945: “At a special transfer session of the Bristol licensing magistrates, held at the Bristol Police Court yesterday, the following transfers were authorised:-- the Crown and Dove (and music), Bridewell Street from Leonard William Larke to Patrick Joseph Kinsley." Source: “Bristol Ale and Beer Houses", Western Daily Press, 5 June 1945, Page 3. 1948: “Hot on the Trail! Mrs. P Kinsley, wife of the licensee of the Crown and Dove Hotel, Bridewell, Bristol, lost one of a 75 pair of earrings, when she visited a relative’s inn. A telegram, “Look out for diamond earring," hastened a frantic search, and ultimately the missing piece was found on the back of a fire-diamonds safe, but gold setting melted. Source: “Hot on the Trail!", Western Daily Press, 31 December 1948. 1954: Article on Auctions of Bristol Inns; “One of the most popular deals was the sale of the Half Moon, Coalpit Heath, to the present tenant, Mr. Pat Kinsley, at £15,000. He is the former licensee of the Crown and Dove Hotel in Bridewell Street, City. Mr. Kinsley took a seven-year lease on the Half Moon shortly after he and his wife returned from a trip to Canada and the U.S. in 1952. He told the Evening Post: “I came prepared to buy the premises but they cost me a little more than I expected." Bidding started at £8,000 and rose in units of more than £100. Source: “Brewery Buys Two Bristol Free Houses", Bristol Evening Post, 11 June 1954, Page 8. 1960: “New Cabin Bar. Modernisation Scheme for Crown and Dove Hotel. During the years of the First World War, the Crown and Dove Hotel was well-known in the city as the home of first class catering. With the completion of some of the modernisation plans at the hotel, the new licensee, Mr. Archie Cox and his wife are hoping to revive this reputation for good food. The old bottle and jug and luncheon room have been combined to make the new Cabin Bar, a modern style bar where drinkers can get grills and steaks. The architect for Georges Brewery was responsible for the decor and the furnishings were provided by J. Phillips and Sons. The old billiards room and judo room,  behind the bar, is now the hotel restaurant, open to non-residents, where the meals will be served at lunch-time and throughout the evening. This room has also been redecorated to make it into a pleasant and comfortable eating place for some 48 people; prices are from 4s. 6d. Upwards. The old kitchens have been completely stripped and rebuilt with the latest kitchen equipment, including a special steak griller. Modernisation is now being planned for the public and lounge bars. On the upper floors are eight rooms ready for residents, who can get bed and breakfast at reasonable charges. Also upstairs is the dance hall, which is to be improved from the catering and entertainments point of view. For as long as 40 years in some cases, 27 different associations and clubs have been using the Crown and Dove as their meeting place, and these facilities will continue to be open to them. The licensee, Mr. Cox is a newcomer to Bristol, but not to the trade–numerous relations of his have been connected with Georges for many years, and he himself was born into the trade. He was once Plymouth’s youngest licensee; he then saw 10 years’ service with the Government, in Nigeria and Ghana, and he returned to England when Ghana became self-governing. His last licenseeship was in Exeter–so he is by no means a stranger to the West Country. {This article is presented as an advertorial, the text is surrounded by adverts from Georges brewery, Wise & Harris (suppliers of beef, lamb and pork to the hotel), Cheese Straws (Cheddar) Ltd. (suppliers of smoked hams and tongues, cheddar cheese straws, pickles and cheddar cheese to the hotel), W. & D. Malpass Ltd. Builders, Palmers Meat Suppliers, The “New" Crown and Dove Hotel itself, and Phillips of Bristol (Furnishings at the New Crown and Dove Hotel).} Source “New Cabin Bar", Bristol Evening Post, 16 November 1960, Page 18. 1962: “Watjen.--Herbert George, May 4, in his 87th year. From his wife and family." Source: “Deaths", Bristol Evening Post, 4 May 1962, Page 37. 1966: “Licensee retires" [Photo] Caption: “Friends look on as Mrs. Lilian Upton presents a wallet to Mr Archie Cox, retiring licensee of the Crown and Dove, Bridewell Street, Bristol, while Mrs. Elizabeth Harper gives a brooch to Mrs. Cox. Mr. Cox is retiring on medical advice. He has been at the hotel for seven years. His successor will be Mr. Paddy Farmer." Source: “Licensee retires", Bristol Evening Post, 17 November 1966, Page 24. 1967: Ex-City Licensee Dies in Crash. Mr. Archie Cox (60), former landlord of the Crown and Dove Hotel, Bristol, has been killed in a Cornwall car crash. Mr. Cox, who always wore a bow tie and carnation buttonhole at his bars moved to Cornwall just before Christmas after seven years at the Bridewell Street hotel. The accident happened only 200 yards from his new public-house, The Rifle Volunteer Inn, St. Ann’s Chapel, Gunnislake, near Plymouth. Hit hedge. Mr. Cox was driving home after attending Callington Licensing sessions when his car hit a hedge and overturned several times. He was dead on arrival at a Plymouth hospital. Mr. Cox, who leaves a widow, was one of Bristol’s best-known licensees. He was brought up in the licensing trade, and was at one time Plymouth’s youngest landlord. But he had also studied forestry and qualified as an engineer, and after the Second World War he went to West Africa as a technical advisor on sawmills. In 1959 he returned to Britain and took over the Crown and Dove, where he stayed until a few months ago. Friends presented him with a wallet when he retired from the city pub, on medical advice, in November. Source: “Ex-City Licensee Dies in Crash", Bristol Evening Post, 10 February 1967, page 10. 1967: “Door Smasher fined. John Morgan (56), no fixed address smashed the glass panel of a door in the Crown and Dove Hotel, Rupert Street, after he had been ejected on Saturday night. Morgan, who injured his right hand in the incident, admitting doing £14 wilful damage to the door. He was fined £5 in Bristol today, and ordered to pay £14 compensation. Source: “Door smasher fined", Bristol Evening Post, 11 September 1967, page 10. 1971: The city had opened the roadway and exposed the sewers in Rupert Street, business owners along the street were refusing to pay their rates until council took some action. “Family ill. Mr Whitehouse, licensee of the Crown and Dove Hotel, said: “I shall refuse to pay my half-year rates of £270 until I get satisfaction from the council." He said his wife, Barbara, and sons Richargd aged three and Ian, 16 months, were all ill. “I am certain the germs from this open sewer are the cause of it," he said. He said that in the month before the road was closed he took some £240 in bed and breakfast alone. “In the five weeks since then I’ve had about £60." Source: “Road-up traders in rates revolt", Western Daily Press, 2 June 1971, page 1 1972 Lunch time bar maid required, good rates of pay. Meals on duty, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 6 days per week – Apply Mr Stephenson, The Crown and Dove, Bridewell Street, Bristol. Tel. 23784. Source: “Hotels, Catering (Wanted)", Bristol Evening Post, 19 June 1972, Page 17. 1974: Last notice mentioning the Crown and Dove, Bridewell, found to date (April 2026): “Between 25 and 45? Come and join us. We meet every Thursday, 7:30 p.m., Crown and Dove Bridewell Street, Bristol 1. Source: “Personal", Bristol Evening Post, 13 June 1974, Page 16. 1976: “A care for Safety – I thank the firm who demolished the Crown and Dove and adjacent buildings between Lewins Mead and Rupert Street. As a visually handicapped person, I can honestly say I have never seen men take so much care for the public. ..." Letter from Shelagh Woodley. Source: “A care for safety", Bristol Evening Post, 28 October 1976, Page 32.

Ken Blackmore (April 2026)

Do you have any anecdotes, historical information, updates or photos of this pub? Become a contributor by submitting them here. You can add your email contact details along with other ex-customers and landlords of this pub here.