It is sad to see the remains of the Great Western pub that has been badly damaged. A fierce fire broke out in the afternoon of 24th August 2017 and was attended by four fire engines and an aerial platform. The flames were said to have been 20 feet high with smoke affecting the surrounding area; roads nearby had to be closed. In spite of the fire service’s best efforts, the fire destroyed the roof and much of the interior of the building, arson being suspected.
Early history of the Great Western
This Victorian building is named after what was then the Great Western Railway station nearby. John Crossling notes:
Despite its location there is no record of its use as a coaching inn or even for carriers except for a very brief period in 1891 when there was one daily carrier but unfortunately its destination was not listed. Although this pub is today known as the Great Western it was originally known as the Great Western Hotel, and no doubt provided accommodation for travellers arriving and departing in Warwick by train.
Trade directories record the publicans who served there from 1862 onwards. These included Richard Slater (from 1874-1886) who was also recorded as a ‘car proprietor’ in 1881 (probably a taxi cab) and an ‘agent for the Great Western Railway’ in 1885. There were two female publicans: Mrs Such took over in 1924 from a relative, William, who had been the publican for the previous twelve years; also Mrs Ellen Power presided from 1933-1945. At one stage the pub (along with many others) was owned by the Leamington brewery firm of Lucas & Co.
Present day
The pub was a popular place for a drink and a meal, with a pleasant garden tucked away at the back and regular sessions of live music. It closed in June 2015 and has stood empty since then. A planning application was made to convert it into residential use. It was for sale for around £450,000 and believed to be under offer when the fire occurred.
Comments
A tragic fate for such a beautiful building. This was built in an age when great care and pride was taken over Railway Architecture. These stations were often erected to make that important first impression to visitors. The design of the Great Western reflects the graceful William and Mary character of the town’s architecture, a taster of what is to come when you wander further up the street.
But in our current century soulless, cold and unwelcoming glass and steel boxes, devoid of any character, are the ‘go-to’ for railway stations. Beauties such as these will slip into the past, brushed aside by the whim of the impatient developer.
I pass it on way to Banbury. For some reason it’s got me hooked from first time seeing it – last bank holidays I sat in traffic looking at it upset and angry, the loss of an amazing building. Can’t believe it’s not listed.
Did this pub used to have a miniature railway running along near the celling? If so this used to be the special place my family would go out for dinner when I was a little girl in the late 80s early 90s. I always remember getting a drumstick lolly from the bar if I’d been good and eaten all my food! Happy memories, such a shame it’s gone.
Regarding Katy’s comment the train set was in a pub of the same name but in Deppers Bridge between Harbury and Southam – sadly now in similar condition; not due to fire, just negligence.
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