With some historical gleanings from the archives.
The Limerick was a pub located at the very end of runway 22 on the north east of the airfield fronting onto Cow Lane (now Burtonwood Road).
It was a typical country pub with few home comforts but served a good pint of Burtonwood beer and basic food was sometimes available. It was frequented by the local farmers and villagers from Burtonwood and suddenly burst into life when RAF Burtonwood was built.
Initially the Irish navvies who built the base went there for their daily pint and once they had gone the RAF ground crews who worked on the base also used it.
Often it was nearer to the place of work than the mess halls and offered great temptation to an airman working on a cold, dispersed aircraft a long way from the Flight Sergeant! Lunch time drinking was not approved in war-time RAF (nor either) but the pub seemed to do a roaring trade.
Little is known about the origin of the pub, it is obviously very old and probably dated from the turn of the century. It was owned by Burtonwood Brewery, or Duttons as it was originally known.
In those days when country was full of independent brewers and they owned pubs which were within the range of a horse and dray.
Unfortunately for the brewery and the landlord, the RAF needed to enlarge the runway at Burtonwood and add another one and the Limerick was in the way.
In 1942 the foundations were laid for a new main runway and then re-alignment of one of the subsidiary runways which radiated from just where the Limerick stood. Unfortunately it was in the over-run area and was a danger to aircraft and to anyone being in the building in the event of an emergency. It was demolished without ceremony and now lingers only as a memory to a few.
The Limerick Hotel is mentioned in a number of old newspaper articles:-
PUBLIC HOUSES REPORTED AND FINED.
Warrington Examiner – Saturday 30 August 1873
Martha Taylor, Chapel House, Burtonwood, for “refusing to admit the police on Saturday the 11th January, 1873”, fined 40s. and costs.
Thomas Welsby, George and ‘ Dragon, Pennington, fined 20s. and costs for having house open at 12:40 a.m. on Sunday, 27th July, 1873.
Samuel Kelsall, Elm Tree House, Burtonwood, fined 20s. and costs for having house open at 8:30 a.m., on Sunday, 5th January, 1873.
Wm. Travis, Limerick Hotel, Burtonwood, fined 20s. and costs for having house open at 9:20 a.m. on Sunday, 6th July, 1873.
Agar Vandrey, Sunbeam Inn, Newton, ordered to pay costs for having house open at 9:20 a.m. on Sunday, 8th June.
The licenses were renewed in all these cases, the Bench administering a suitable caution to each of the parties concerned.
A LICENCE ENDORSED
Warrington Examiner – Saturday 02 September 1876
NEWTON PETTY SESSIONS. Before Colonel McCorquodale (chairman), Messrs. J. H. BIRLEY, and R. Houghton, and Lieut. Colonel HAMILTON.
Thomas Ord was charged with being drunk on the licensed premises of William Travis, beer house keeper, Limerick Inn, Burtonwood, on the 13th inst. Defendant admitted the offence, and was fined 68. and costs.—Travis was then charged with having, on the day in question, soil three half-pints of beer during the time his premises were directed to be closed, and with permitting drunkenness. Mr. Moore appeared for the defendant, and pleaded not guilty. P.C. Grundy proved the case, and stated that about three o’clock on Sunday afternoon, the 13th instant, he visited the Limerick Inn, Burtonwood, and found the back kitchen window open, and three men – Ord, John and Henry Charnock – sitting with beer before them.
The door of the house was closed.
He got on the bench form on which the men had been sitting, put his head through the window, and asked the landlord to Open the door.
The landlord said “It is not time.”
He said “Open the door; it is a policeman.”
The landlord then opened the door, came into the yard, and when he asked him “How is it these men are here with beer?” he replied ” They have been here ever since turning out time.”
The men then got up, and he found that Ord was “staggering drunk.” One of the men offered him 5s. to say nothing about the matter.
Mr. Moore stated that defendant was brought before the Bench two or three years ago for some offence, but since then he had endeavoured to conduct his house in respectful manner.
The defendant closed his premises about half-past two o’clock on the afternoon in question, and did not let anyone in after that time.
The beer the men had before them when the officer went to the house had been supplied before closing time, and the men took it out into the yard to drink.
The landlord was not aware that he was breaking the law.
Mr. Birley: How long has your client kept a public-house
For Defendant: Sixteen years, sir.
Mr. Birley: And he does not know the law !
The Chairman said the Bench considered the case proved, and that defendant had permitted drinking to take place during prohibited hours.
They intended to endorse his license.
They had also a very unsatisfactory list before them, which must also be taken into consideration.
Defendant would be fined 20s. and costs.
Thos. Ord and Henry and John Charnock were each fined 5s. and costs for being on the premises during the time directed by her Majesty’s justices of the peace for them to be closed.
NEWTON ANNUAL LICENSING SESSIONS.
Leigh Chronicle – Saturday 01 September 1877
The annual Brewster Sessions for the Warrington and Newton divisions were held on Monday morning, in the Town Hall at Newton, before Mr. J. H. Birley (chairman), and Mr. J. Pearson, and Mr. Comber. The business before the magistrates was unusually light in character.
From the printed information supplied to the Bench it seems that the total number of licensed victuallers in Warrington division is 46; and that during the last year there were 4 convictions against 3 in 1876.
The number summoned for drunkenness during 1877 was 722, against 667 in the previous year, an increase of 55. The number apprehended for drunkenness during the same period was 309 against 305 last year, showing an increase of 4. Total increase in summons was 59.
The beer houses in the division number 17. and there are in addition 7 persons licensed to sell beer off the premises. The convictions during the year were listed as 8 against 5 in 1376.
Licence Renewals.
The old licences were all renewed. with the exception of that of William Travis Limerick Hotel, Cow-lane, Burtonwood which was, on the application of Superintendent Clarkson, of Wigan, allowed to stand over, there being two convictions and two endorsements against Travis doting one year.
Travis was called up before the Bench, and informed, “that his case could stand over until the adjourned day, when Supt. Jackson would put in a formal objection”.
NEWTON BREWSTER SESSIONS.
Wigan Observer – Wednesday 03 September 1879.
The annual Brewster sessions of the Newton division of the county, were held at Newton on Saturday morning. before Mr. J. Pearson, who presided, Lieutenant Colonel Hamilton, and Messrs. T. Birley and R. Houghton.
In the Newton division there are two districts for police purposes, the Warrington and the Wigan districts. The former is in charge of Superintendent Jackson who is stationed at Leigh, and the latter under the supervision of Superintendent Ludlam who resides at Pemberton.
Adjourned Renewals.
The application of Superintendent Jackson the renewal of the licence of David Travers, the Limerick Hotel, Burtonwood, was adjourned till the adjourned sessions, he being summoned to appear before the bench that morning for opening his beer house for the sale of drink during prohibited hours.
At the hearing of the case subsequently, he was fined 20s. and costs.
TRANSFERS OF LICENCES.
St. Helens Examiner – Saturday 03 May 1884
At the Newton Town Hall, on Saturday, Mr. Robert Davies, solicitor, Warrington, applied for the transfer of the license of the Old Pear Tree Inn, Collins Green, to the new premises, which have been recently erected at a cost of £1900.
ln reply to a remark by the Clerk, Mr. Davies added that the old licence would be given up, in fact, the building was to be taken down for an improvement on the highway.
The Bench granted the application.
In another matter the licence of the Limerick Hotel, Burtonwood, was also transferred from Robert Travers to John Dainteth.
Licence Transfers
Leigh Chronicle and Weekly District Advertiser – Friday 20 December 1889
NEWTON PETTY SESSIONS.
Saturday, 14th Dec 1889, Before Colonel McCorquodale (chairman), T.J. GillespieMessrs. J. H. Birley, and W. Mitchell
Application was made for the transfer of the licence of the Limerick Inn, Burtonwood, from John Dainlett to James Dainlett (his son).
The application wee granted.
UNLAWFUL WOUNDING CASE AT BURTONWOOD.
Warrington Examiner – Saturday 10 September 1892
At Warrington Police Court, on Monday, before Mr. Ziba Armitage. Thomas Dutton, wheelwright, Burtonwood, was charged on remand with unlawfully wounding John Gavin, on the 20th August.
It will be remembered that at the last hearing evidence was given to the effect that, on the night of the 20th August, the complainant and the defendant met near the Limerick Hotel, at Burtonwood, and had some words about certain work which complainant had done for defendant.
A struggle ensued and it was alleged that defendant seized a shovel which complainant carried, and struck him with it, knocking him down.
Complainant was found lying in the road by a young lady some time afterwards, and assistance having been obtained he was taken to the Limerick hotel, where an examination showed that one of his legs was broken, and he was otherwise injured.
The injuries were attended to by a Doctor, and Gavin was subsequently taken home.
It was now stated that the complainant was not yet in a fit state to attend the court, and defendant was remanded until the 3rd October, bail being allowed.
TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION
Warrington Examiner – Saturday 17 November 1894
Auction By Mr. JOHN MAINWARING at the lion Hotel, Warrington. on Wednesday, sth December, 1894, at 3 o’clock p.m. precisely, in the following lets or such other lots as may be determined at the time of sale, and subject to the Public Sale Conditions of the Incorporated Law Society of Liverpool, and to special conditions to be then produced, and in the meantime to be obtained of the vendors’ solicitors:
LOT 14: A Freehold BEERHOUSE in Cow lane, Burtonwood, known as the “Limerick,” in the occupation of Mr. James Dainlett. with an excellent Bowling Green, containing in the whole about 1 acre and 24 perches. “This lot is in lease to Mr. Richard Forshaw for 10 years from the let January, 1891, at the yearly rent of £3O.”
LOT 15: A Freehold FARM, known as Smithy House Farm. in Joy lane, Burtonwood. with farm house and excellent shippens, hay shed, and ether buildings, in the occupation of Mr. Thomas Norcott, containing about 45 acres. In addition there is another good dwelling house. with outbuildings and three labourers cottages, on separate portions of the farm, and let there-with.
LOT 16: A Freehold SMITHY, known as Dial Post Smithy, in Burtonwood, containing about 21 perches, in the occupation of Mr. John Peak.
LOT 17: A Freehold FARM, known as Critchley’s Farm, with house and outbuildings, in Limekiln lane, Burtonwood, containing about 64 acres. 3 roods. 5 perches, in the occupation of Mr. William Gleave.
LOT 18: A Freehold FARM, known as Higher Joy lane Farm. in Burtonwood, with house and outbuildings, in the occupation of Mr. Thomas Forshaw, containing about 26 acres.
LOT 19: A Freehold FIELD, known as Boggarts Stile, situate off Clay lane. in Burtonwood, containing about 121 acres, in the occupation of Mr. Thomas Howard.
IMPORTANT PROPERTY SALE AT WARRINGTON.
Warrington Examiner – Saturday 08 December 1894
One of the most important property sales ever held in the recollection of Warrington people took place at the Lion Hotel, Warrington, on Wednesday.
Between 300 and 400 of the leading people of Warrington and district were present and the lots went off well.
A remarkable fact in connection with the sale was that the whole 47 lots were sold, which is almost unprecedented in sales of this nature.
The following were the most important lots and the prices at which they were sold.
A freehold farm in Cross-lane, Appleton, with house and outbuildings, and a freehold cottage and garden, in all containing 24a. 3r. 21p. was sold for £1,600.
Two freehold dwellinghouses and several fields in Cross-lane, Appleton, containing 16a. Or. 22p., £1,375.
A freehold dwelling-house in Red-lane, Appleton, with freehold cottage and a portion of a field, £l,lOO.
A fresh old plot of building land in Red-lane, Appleton, and a freehold field containing Ba. lr. 7p., £1,300.
Two freehold fields at Woolston, £1,005.
A freehold farm, Brookhouse farm at Orford, containing 14a. Or. 17p., £1,020.
A freehold freehold beerhouse—the “Limerick,” at Buttonwood, £800.
A freehold farm, known as Smithy House farm, at Buttonwood, containing 155 acres, £7,300.
“Critchley’s Farm” at Burtonwood, containing 64 acres, £2,375.
Higher Joy-lane farm, Buttonwood, 26 acres, £975.
A drapers shop, 4, Buttermarket-atreet, Warrington, and warehouse and portion of sits of cottage £1,450.
Amongst the other lots were included 49 Parr’s Bank shares all of which realised between £76 10s. and £77 per share.
Eight Warrington Corporation perpetual gas annuities of £2 each brought £535.
A large number of Warrington Corporation redeemable gas annuities were also sold for good prices.
BREWSTER SESSIONS at NEWTON-LE-WILLOWS.
Manchester Courier – Saturday 14 February 1903
On Thursday, at Newton-le-Willows Licensing Sessions, increase of cases drunkenness was reported.
The Chairman said this was a serious matter and needed looking into.
An application was made for a full-licence for the Horseshoe Inn, Croft, near Leigh. It was the third application, and was again refused.
Structural alterations were sanctioned Butcher’s Arms, Great Sankey, and the Viaduct Inn, Earlestown.
All the licences were renewed, With the exception the Limerick Inn. Burtonwood, which was adjourned at the request of the Police.
ADJOURNED LICENSING SESSIONS AT NEWTON-LE-WILLOWS.
Warrington Examiner – Saturday 14 March 1903
At these sessions, held on Thursday, there was only one deferred licence, the Limerick Inn, Burtonwood, to be dealt with.
The police having withdrawn the objection, the licence was granted.
“The Limerick,” Burtonwood.
The Examiner, Friday, June 5, 1903.
At the Warrington County Petty Sessions Mr. Henry Woods, solicitor, applying on behalf of Richard Forshaw and James Daintith obtained the sanction of the magistrates to certain structural alterations at the ‘Limerick Inn,” Burtonwood.
BIT A POLICEMAN’S FINGERS: SCENE AT BURTONWOOD.
St. Helens Examiner – Saturday 22 March 1913
COUNTY PETTY SESSIONS. WEDNESDAY.—Before Messrs Roger C Parr (in the chair) H Roberts and W Fairclough.
Andrew McLoughlin, Lime Kiln Farm, Burtonwood, was charged with being drunk and disorderly and with assaulting PC Moulding on March 17th.
The officer stated that on Monday he was called to a disturbance at the Limerick Hotel, Burtonwood, and found the prisoner, who was drunk, using had language and wanting to fight the landlord.
As McLoughlin refused to go away witness arrested him and in a struggle McLoughlin got witness’s fingers in his mouth and only the use of the truncheon would make him loose his bold.
A piece was bitten out of one finger and he had been treated by a doctor for the injuries.
William Price, licenses of the Limerick Hotel, said they had refused to serve the prisoner because he was mad drunk and was using obscene language.
The policeman was sent for and the struggle ensued as described by the witness.
Prisoner was fined 5s for the drunkenness and 10s and costs for the assault or fourteen days.
BOGUS TRAVELLERS: A Falsehood to Obtain Beer.
St. Helens Examiner – Saturday 19 April 1913
At the Warrington County Petty Session’s, on Wednesday, David Yates and Charles Mollow, colliers, of Collins Green, were summoned for falsely representing themselves as travellers in order to obtain drink from the Limerick Inn, Burtonwood.
On Sunday, April 6th, the defendants called at the inn at 11.30 a.m. When the barman challenged them they said they had come from Newton-le-Willows. They signed the book to that effect, and the landlord supplied them with beer.
Constable Molding visited the house and recognised the men as hailing from Burton wood. A fine of 20s. and costs was imposed.
DRUIDS BOWLING MAIN.
St. Helens Examiner – Saturday 26 September 1914
The annual bowling main organised in connection with the local lodges of the Ancient Order of Druids took place on the green at the Limerick Hotel, Burtonwood, on Saturday, in stormy weather, which militated against the attendance and the number of entries, both falling below those of previous years. Lack of numbers was made up for by some close and exciting games, the ” Greenall ” Challenge Cup being won, after a keen struggle, by Bro. Ernest Dumbill (Penketh United Lodge), with Bro. J. Campbell second and Bro. J. Hall and Bro. A. Goulden third and fourth respectively.
After the games the bowlers sat down to an excellent tea at the Unicorn Hotel. The tables having been cleared, the Grand Master of the “Lord Elliot” Lodge presented the cup to the winner, and the rest of the evening was given over to harmony.
HOTELS AND PUBLIC-HOUSES
Liverpool Echo – Thursday 25 March 1915
To Let, the Limerick Hotel, Burtonwood; good bowling green.
Apply, in first instance to the current tenant. W. Price.
LICENSEE WHO ASSISTS FARMERS.
Widnes Examiner – Saturday 04 August 1917
Military Appeal For Review Of Licensee’s Exemption. At the Warrington Rural Tribunal, held on Wednesday at the Bewsey. Chambers,
The Military Representative (Mr. W. Furness) appealed for the revision of the certificate of exemption previously granted to the licensee of the Limerick Hotel, Burtonwood.
A new Order had since been received from the military to the effect that the primary work on which an exempted man was engaged should be of the specified importance. This man was not engaged by any one farmer, but assisted several.
Mr, T. S. Steel appeared on behalf of the individual, and stated that he was efficient in all branches of farm work, and had been engaged in that work altogether before becoming the licensee of a public-house.
He was engaged all day, on farm work for different farmers in the district, and was home only in the evenings and on Sundays, and not always then. He had been doing a great deal of work for Mr. Haslam, of Boggart House Farm, Burtonwood, and for his mother, and with either of them he could get full time work, only he considered he was of more use giving his services where the need was most urgent. It had even happened that he had been sent for by motor car to help with hay-cutting at Croft.
The Tribunal decided that he must be attached to some particular farm and be able to satisfy them at their next meeting that he was employed by one farmer in particular. It would be quite open to that farmer to lend him out when his services were required elsewhere.
LICENSEE ON A FARM
Runcorn Examiner – Saturday 06 October 1917
Conditional exemption was also granted to the licensee of the Limerick Hotel, Burtonwood, for whom Mr. Steel appeared. The man was granted conditional exemption on June 1st, 1916, but in August this year the case was reviewed by the military, as the applicant was not working on any particular farm.
The case was adjourned and Mr. Steel now stated that the man had got permanent employment on a farm.
A BURTONWOOD LICENCE.
Widnes Examiner – Saturday 04 January 1919
At the Warrington County Petty Sessions, on Wednesday, the licence of the Limerick Inn, Burtonwood, was transferred to Mrs. Margaret Cooper, in the stead of her late husband, Thomas Cooper.
Newton Petty Sessions
Newton and Earlestown Guardian – Friday 19 February 1937
It was reported that “The alterations sanctioned by the justices on 5th June, 1935, in respect of the Limerick Hotel, Burtonwood, were completed in November, 1936, in accordance with the plans submitted.”
SUDDEN DEATH OF BURTONWOOD LICENSEE
Newton and Earlestown Guardian – Friday 17 June 1938
Mr, Thomas McCawley, licensee of the Limerick Hotel, Burtonwood, collected together his pack of dominoes after a game with his customers on Monday evening, called “time” and began to busy himself around his hotel, He bid his last customer good night, swung the doors to and shot the bolts, to retire to bed. The end of another day.
Next morning he was found dead. He had passed away peacefully in his sleep.
Mr. McCawley had been in fading health for some while, having to terminate his employment at the Bold Colliery some months ago.
He was a lifelong resident of Burtonwood and had held the licence of the Limerick for 10 years.
He was a member of the Burtonwood Pigeon Club and held many prizes and records in connection with the club. He leaves a widow, Mrs Winifred McCauley.
The funeral will take place at the Burtonwood Cemetery tomorrow.
Licence Transfers Granted.
Newton and Earlestown Guardian – Friday 12 August 1938
At Newton Petty Sessions, the following applications were granted:
Transfer of the licence of Legh Arms, Newton, from Gertrude Baker to John Leigh;
Transfer of the licence of Butchers’ Arms from Mrs. Gladys Lillie Swinton to John Colquitt;
Transfer of the licence of the Limerick Hotel, Burtonwood, to Mrs, McCawley, from the late Mr. T. McCawley.
THE LIMERICK LICENCE
Newton and Earlestown Guardian – Friday 26 November 1943
At Newton Petty Sessions, yesterday, Mr Knowles, solicitor, of Widnes, applied for the transfer of the licence of the Limerick Hotel, Burtonwood (which he stated had been compulsorily taken over and the house taken down, from the licensee, Mr Hastings, to the secretary of the Brewery Company.
The licence, he explained, was at present in suspense.
Mr. Hastings stated that he was quite agreeable to this course being taken.
The Clerk: You quite realise that this means that you will lose the licence ?
Mr. Hastings: Yes, I quite realise that, but am quite agreeable yo the transfer.
After retiring to deliberate, the Bench decided that the application should be granted.
