Edmund Webb and the Coach and Horses

The “Coach and Horses”

Hampshire Advertiser Wednesday 20 October 1869

License of the Coach and Horses, Hilsea granted to Edmund Webb. The application stated that Edmund Webb was “a man who bore a very excellent character” and that he intended to live at the Coach and Horses.

“Portsmouth Through Time” by John Sadler gives details of the Coach and Horses. It states that a public house had been on the site since the 1830s. A field behind it was used to sell timber beams from old naval ships. In the 1850s the Coach and Horses had a large garden, stables, skittle ground and a small brewing plant .

Hampshire Telegraph Wednesday 7 September 1870

Application for the renewal of the license for the Coach and Horses, Hilsea. Adjourned from last meeting. Mr H Ford of Portsea appearing for Webb representative of Messrs Simmons & Co who obtained the licence at last meeting. Magistrates at last meeting required that a fresh tenant be procured as Mr Webb was not the resident occupier. Firm had succeeded in getting John Hailston a man of exceptional character, who left the Army as a sergeant with good conduct medal. Application granted.

Hampshire Telegraph Wednesday 5 October 1870

Fire at the old Coach and Horses on Sunday 2nd October at approximately 12.30am. Public house directly opposite Hilsea Pond. Leading to the total destruction of the building. A fire engine from Hilsea Barracks attended the fire but the only available water had to be pumped from the pond. Mr Middleton, the landlord had removed nearly all his furniture as he intended to quit the same day. The Government owned property was leased to Edmund Webb of Southampton. Mr Middleton had been managing the business for Edmund Webb. The building was insured for £250 and the furniture for between £50 and £60. The fire started in the bar but the cause was unknown.

(Possibly George Middleton 1871 Census born Berkshire 1824. Malborough Row Dockyard Tavern, Portsea. Foreman of Excavation and Innkeeper.)

Hampshire Telegraph Wednesday 21 December 1870

Brewery dismissed Hailstone prior to court case dealing with drinking outside licensing hours. Temporary licence granted to George Knight.

Hampshire Telegraph Saturday 31 December 1870

Summary of year’s events. 2nd October destruction of Coach and Horses, Hilsea by fire.

Hampshire Telegraph Wednesday 8 February 1871

Report of temporary transfer of license of Coach and Horses from John Hallestone to George Knight .

The Private Bus Service

Hampshire Telegraph 23 September 1871 and various others

Advert for Edmund Webb’s bus service. Hilsea to Commercial Road, Portsmouth. Commencing 23 September daily with the exception of Sunday.

Leaving the George Inn, Cosham: 9 am, 11 am, 3.30pm, 5.30 pm, 7.30 pm. Leaving the Bedford Hotel, Landport: 10 am, 12 am, 4.30 pm, 6.30 pm, 8.30pm. Calling at the new Coach and Horses. Parcels delivered. Inside 6d. Outside 4d. Hilsea and north side Green Post. Inside 4d. Outside 3d. North End and Portsmouth side Green Post. Inside 3d. Outside 2d. Hilsea to Cosham 2d.

Further notices advertise a Sunday service with three bus times between the Coach and Horses and the Bedford Hotel.

An additional omnibus was then added to the weekday service extending the operating hours. The landmark used to calculate fares became Kingston Cross rather than the Green Post. The Green Post being a public house.

Hampshire Telegraph 15 November 1871

License of the Coach and Horses transferred from George Knight to Edmund Webb.

Dispute Over Bus

Hampshire Telegraph 29 November 1871

Pearce v Webb. Mr Pearce an omnibus proprietor living at the King of Prussia, Broad St., Portsmouth took action against Edmund Webb to recover £5 11s, the price of a set of harness and the hire of an omnibus for 15 days. Edmund Webb, living at the Coach and Horses, Hilsea had paid £3 2s 6d for the harness but contended that the plaintiff had lent the omnibus to him. Following evidence from George Knight and Edmund’s brother the Judge found in Edmund’s favour. Details show that Edmund had required a replacement omnibus as the springs on his own had broken. Whilst using Pearce’s omnibus he had painted and repaired the top. Witnesses stated that Pearce said Edmund Webb could borrow an omnibus at any time as carried out repairs.

( Pearce 1871 Census . James J Pearce aged 47 years, born Sheerness, Kent, 12 Broad St. Portsea, Omnibus Proprietor, widower, 4 children.)

Theft of Tobacco

Hampshire Telegraph 6 March 1872 and Hampshire Advertiser

John Sharp Royal Artillery, Hilsea. In custody. On 25th of February at Wymering stole half a pound of tobacco worth 1s 9d the property of Edmund Webb. Pleaded guilty. 1 calendar month imprisonment with hard labour.

John Sharp ,11th Battalion, Royal Artillery. Took property of Edmund Webb, landlord of the Coach and Horses.

Stephen Banger, resided at the Coach and Horses, employed as a bus conductor. Banger bought tobacco for Edmund Webb in Commercial Road, placing the parcel on a seat inside the bus. Henry James Webb , son of the prosecutor got onto the bus at 9pm at the Bedford Hotel. Rode outside to Kingston Cross then rode inside. Did not know who the parcel belonged to. Sharp and others alighted Sharp taking the parcel. Sharp sold tobacco to Henry Clarke. Pleaded guilty. Sentenced as above.

Liquidation by Arrangement

Hampshire Advertiser 3 April 1872

Edmund Webb, Licensed Victualler in Liquidation. Creditors to meet at the offices of Mr William Edmonds, 46 St. James’ Street, Portsea.

Hampshire Telegraph 29 May 1872

Transfer of licence temporarily from Edmund Webb to Thomas Nicholson.

Hampshire Telegraph 26 July 1873

Advert regarding liquidation. Liquidation by arrangement the affairs of Edmund Webb of Hilsea, Licensed Victualler. Creditors to send details of debts by 4 August 1873. William Edmonds, 46 St. James’ Street, Portsea.