The Building

The Red Lion Inn carries a keystone above the front door, which is dated 1787. The pub was originally known as the Reform Inn, but had changed name by 1860 to the Red Lion Inn. This historic coaching inn is one the oldest buildings in Thorncliffe, and was originally a farm as well as an inn. Most of the land (originally 40+ acres) was sold in the last century, and the focus changed from the farming to the pub. The pub has changed a little since the old photo above (c. 1910), with the old stable and lambing barn converted in 1979 into a new function room and dining area. Luckily most of the original features and the character of the pub have remained, and the layout inside is relatively unchanged. The original beams and stonework have been beautifully retained, and the stone mullion windows remain. More restoration work is planned, and it’s hoped that more of the history will be discovered along the way.

The Landlords

The inhabitants of the Red Lion are recorded on every census since 1841 (the first census in the UK to include names). Back in 1841, there were just three households in Thorncliffe. Unfortunately it isn’t possible to tell which family lived and worked at the pub, since the entries just list the village name (Thorncliff as it was then called) and not the house name. In 1851, the pub was documented as the Reform Inn with Isaac Bagshaw listed as a farmer and the publican. By 1861 the name had changed to the Red Lion Inn, and Isaac Bagshaw was still living at the pub. However, by then his wife had died, and he was running the pub and its land with the help of just one servant.

By 1871 Isaac Bagshaw had left the pub, and the Sutt family had moved in. Sampson Sutt was listed as the Inkeeper and farmer, while his wife Esther and their daughter Emma were both house maids. By 1881 the Leech family had taken over the pub and its land. Sampson Leech is listed as a farmer of 35 acres, and the publican. His wife would have been busy with their three young children (7, 5 and 2), although Esther Dearville (14) was living at the Red Lion and working as a servant. Another new family had taken over by 1891. John Bradbury and his wife Alice had 5 children, two of whom are listed as farm servants. By 1896 James Heapy Biddulph was the landlord and we know that the historic photo of the Red Lion Inn above was taken while he was the owner. The Biddulph family are known to have remained until at least 1912, with the next recorded landlord listed as John Hine (at least 1928 – 1940).

The Sutton family have owned the pub since 2002, continuing the free house tradition. The pub has seen many changes over the years, but they are determined to maintain the traditional atmosphere and to continue with the restoration work so that the Red Lion Inn and its rich heritage can be enjoyed by many more people in the years to come.