The King's Arms for Sale - 1845
The Kings Arms has long been one of Burton's most appreciated facilities. Going back to my youth when the Crayston family held sway there the inn has provided not only drink and, increasingly, excellent food but has also been a village social centre renowned for the daffodil and onions shows, Bonfire Night and all manner of activities. Yet great as has been the King's Arms role in recent times its historical heyday was around the turn of the eighteenth century when thanks to the Heron Syke to Eamont Bridge Turnpike ( opened in 1753 ) Burton was situated at the very start of the coach route through Westmorland. Being exactly ten miles from Lancaster and Kendal it was the ideal stage break for changing horses halfway between the two most important local towns. Much of the present building dates from this era but parts of it might be even older and could have existed when Bonnie Prince Charlie and his Jacobites came along the Main Street twice in 1745. If at that time the Inn bore the current Hanoverian Coat of Arms one wonders whether the Landlord covered his sign up to avoid desecration by the rebels.
A big blow was struck at Burton and to the Inn in c.1820 when the main Stage Coach Route was diverted through Milnthorpe. Allegedly the Burton landlord transferred his business to a brand new Inn on the new ( now the A6 ) road at Hale. Hence the Hale pub is also called The King's Arms and is similar architecturally to its Burton namesake.
Even so in 1829, when Richard Atkinson was the 'victualer', the King's Arms was still advertised as a coaching Inn for 'The New Times' coach for Manchester and 'The Telegraph' coach for Kendal. Night Mail coaches, however, used 'The Royal Oak' ( now just 'The Royal' ). These coaches disappeared over night in 1846 when the London and North Western Railway reached Burton. Thus it was in the nick of time that the King's Arm's was put up for sale in 1845. The advertisement in the 'Lancaster Gazette' read: -
VALUABLE PROPERTY AT BURTON-IN-KENDAL FOR SALE either in one Lot, or in separate Parcels, as may be agreed upon at the time.
TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION, At the King's Arms Inn, Burton in the County of Westmorland on the 5th day of August 1845 at four o'clock in the Afternoon, ( by the Devisees in Trust of the late John Dixon Surgeon, deceased; )
All that Messuage, Tenement, or INN, situate in Burton aforesaid, with stables, Brewhouse, Coach-house, Garden, Bowling Green, Orchard and Three Inclosures of land, containing nearly eight acres, now in the possession of Mr Thomas Dickenson.
Also all that DWELLING HOUSE, situate on the south side of the said Inn, and now occupied as the Post Office, by Mr Thomas Rollinshaw.
Also all that other DWELLING HOUSE, situate on the north side of the said Inn, and now in the occupation of Mr James Cock.
The Inn contains on the ground floor, two Front Parlours, Bar, Kitchen, and closet; on the first floor, two Sitting Rooms and four bedrooms; on the second floor, six bedrooms and there are excellent attics above. The cellarage is also large and commodious.
The outbuildings consist of four stables, containing four stall each, and Haylofts above; Coach-house, Shippon, Piggeries etc.
The whole of the Buildings have recently undergone a thorough repair, and the Land, which lies contiguous to the town, is in a good state of cultivation.
The property is of Customary Freehold Tenure and held under the Manor of Burton by payment of the yearly customary rent of 8s 6d.
The respective Tenants will show the Premises, and further particulars may be had on application to Mr. Cloudadale, of the Crown Hotel, Bowness; of Messrs. Slater and Nicholson, Solicitors, Hawkshead; or Messrs. Robinson and Dobson Solicitors, Lancaster.
JAMES DOWBIGGIN, Auctioneer.
