[© by kind permission of the Dorset County Museum]
This picture shows Fordington High Street running from left to right in front of a row of terraced thatched houses.
Although thought to have been painted later in 1877 it shows how closely packed the houses still were in Fordington
and how extensive an area was covered in thatch which could easily catch fire.
The Union Arms - First Known Building - (bef 1839 - 1841)
The earliest reference that I have been able to locate for the Union Arms is 1839 when 'Roberts Directory' lists it as being in Cuckold's Row Fordington with Philip PEARCE as the first known landlord. The link provided here leads to an explanation of how the road name of 'Cuckold's Row' changed over time into what is now known as 'Holloway Road'. Before I proceed it is necessary to give readers an idea of where it was situated in Fordington so I have provided this link to the 1886 Ordnance Survey Map of Fordington which unfortunately is the earliest detailed map that I have. Cuckold's Row can be seen running on from Fordington High Street where it divides to go up Fordington Hill. The first significant building in the street is the Infant's school which leads in 1881 to a change in the road name to School Street before it changes again c1888 to Holloway Road. To appreciate where the pub was it will probably be necessary for you to increase the image size by about 300% using the zoom facility on your browser. Four buildings down from the school there is a strange shaped building with 'P.H'. on it (Public House) where the front part facing the road was still the 'Union Arms' in 1886. Also note that adjoining the back of the 'Union Arms' is a large long shaped building which runs along behind the other houses which was the Malthouse.
The building itself in 1839 would have been very much like the houses shown in the above painting done by Joseph Moule in 1877 as very little had changed over that time, and this part of Fordington High Street was very close to where the 'Union Arms' actually stood which was just before where Pound Lane enters 'Cuckold's Row' providing a way through from Fordington Hill. This original building had a thickly thatched roof just like those in the painting and was destroyed by fire on 2nd September 1841 when the bakery next door owned by John ANSTY caught fire and the flames quickly spread to destroy 23 houses and other buildings in 'Cuckold's Row'. This link leads to a newspaper article about the fire and has helped us identify most of the inhabitants affected. Seeing from the map just how closely packed these houses were it is easy to understand that it took just minutes before the fire in the roof of John Ansty's bakehouse spread to the Union Arms and on into the adjoined Malthouse.
It is perhaps remarkable, given the extent of the devastation, that Philip PEARCE was able to announce in the Dorset County Chronicle just 35 days later the re-opening of the 'Union Arms'. This was no doubt due to the fact that as stated in the newspaper report the building was insured, and the bakehouse, the Inn and brew house were all important facilities to the local community. We need a lot more research about this 2nd building and as I now live in Yorkshire I need someone to look at the Deeds and get access to and permission from the Dorset History Centre regarding their archive below they hold which I have listed below:-
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"Eldridge Pope of Dorchester Brewers Deeds and Documents: Union Arms, Dorchester, which includes photographs and plans as well as the will of Philip PEARCE dated 1889 - This is the son of the original Innkeeper).
The building which exists today (2024) appears to have been built in 1925 and was sold in 1978 for use as a meeting house for the Quakers.
8 Holloway Road - a Quakers Meeting House since 1978
© John Hall taken 26th Mar 2010 some rights reserved
Philip PEARCE (1794-1871) Landlord 1839 - Nov 1864 : although a native of Sherborne, he was the first known Innkeeper of the 'Union Arms' at Fordington. We know he was a printer by trade in Sherborne by 1821 and that he moved his business, wife Eliza, and three children to live in Fordington in 1827. In 1829 they had a fourth child, Alfred baptised at St Georges Church and for some reason had two of his older children re-baptised with Alfred - and all three baptisms confirm his occupation still to be that of a printer. We first hear about him being the landlord of the Union Arms in 1839 and its clear he served in that capacity for over 22 years until after 1861. In the 1851 Census however Philip still gives his occupation as that of a printer and it is his wife Eliza that gives her occupation as 'victualler'. In reality it is not surprising to find her running the 'Union Arms' as her father Thomas WHITTING (1771-1838) was landlord of the Crown Inn in Dorchester until his death in 1838 so she had a good grounding in the business. The same census records show their son Francis as a brewer so he is in charge of the Malthouse. Slaters directory for 1852 seems to confirm the continuance of his printing business in that it has two entries for Philip Pearce, one as expected under 'Taverns & Public Houses' but also a separate entry under 'Shopkeepers'. Philip PEARCE relinquished the licence for the Union Arms on 30th Nov 1864 it being transferred to a Mr Robert MORGAN.
Robert MORGAN Landlord 1864-1866 : The Jury list return for the Parish of Fordington for 1866 lists Robert Morgan of Cuckold's Row occupation Innkeeper. The 1865 Harrod's Directory for Dorchester however lists William PEARCE as the Landlord of the 'Union Arms' and a shop keeper in East Fordington but it seems that Philip Pearce relinquished the licence direct to Robert Morgan on 30th Nov 1864, so have assumed William Pearce was a temporary manager?
George PITFIELD (1815-1874) Landlord 1867-1874 : A tailor journeyman by trade he had a shop in Bell street in 1865 before becoming Landlord of the 'Union Arms'. I have not traced his appointment but he is described as Landlord of the Union Arms in litigation in Oct 1867 and in the 1871 Census. When he died in 1874 his licence was formally transferred to his widow Caroline Margaret Pitfield who continued to run the tavern.
Caroline Margaret PITFIELD Landlord 1874-1885 : Ran the Union Arms until her death in 1885. The licence was initially transferred to a John Bush in Apr 1886
John BUSH (I have not been able to locate any information about him)
Elias (William) MAYO (1832-1910) Landlord 1888-1910 : a chimney sweep by trade. In 1891 he was still operating as a chimney sweep during the day, but also ran the 'Union Arms' with the help of his wife Sarah and 33 year old daughter Mary Elizabeth who acted as a bar maid. Elias died in 1910 when it passed to his spinster daughter Mary Elizabeth Mayo (1866-1942).
Mary Elizabeth MAYO (1866-1942) Landlord 1911-aft.1931 Mary married at the age of 46 to the parish clerk George Thomas (1854-1919) at FStG on 25th Apr 1912 but continued to run the 'Union Arms' until at least 1931. Her younger sister Alice Bessie Gertrude Mayo (1872-1931), whilst still living at the 'Union Arms', had married Thomas Edward Rimmer (1876-1958) at FStG on 19th July 1900, but she died being buried at St Georges church on 15th Feb 1931. By the time of the war census on 29th Sep 1939, Mary Elizabeth Mayo had already passed control of the 'Union Arms' to her deceased sisters son Sidney Edward RIMMER (1903-1984) Mary Elizabeth RIMMER died in Fordington whilst resident at 8 Damer's Court being interred on 23rd March 1942.
Sidney Edward RIMMER (1903-1984) Landlord bef. 1939- 1946? In the Sep 1939 War Census he is recorded as being resident at 8-9 Holloway Road as a licensed Victualler with his wife May RIMMER nee SYMONDS (1903-1979) and his father (Mary Elizabeth's brother-in-law) Thomas Edward RIMMER who was by then aged 63. Sydney Edward RIMMER was still at 9 Holloway Road on 7th Jan 1946.
I have located the following references to the 'Union Arms' in Documentation:-
1839 - 'Roberts Directory' - 'Union Arms' Philip Pearce
1839 - 28 Feb - Dorset County Chronicle Thur 28th Feb 1839 Page 1 - Announcement: BOROUGH OF DORCHESTER, TO Be LET: And may be entered on immediately:
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All that convenient HOUSE, called the 'NEW CROWN' with every convenience for Brewing and Cellars attached; also Stabling, Wagon House, Garden, &c. lately occupied by Mr WHITTLE deceased. The Furniture Brewing Utencils. Casks, Stock of Beer (about 40 Hogsheads) to be taken at a valuation.
Application to be made to Mr. PEARCE, 'Union Arms Inn' Fordington, Dorchester Dorset: All letters to be post paid. This will be advertised but once: Dated February 27th 1839
[Note:- Thomas PEARCE was the father of Eliza WHITTLE the wife of Philip PEARCE the Landlord of the 'Union Arms']
1841 - Thur 9th Sep 1841 - Dorset County Chronicle - page 4 - Link to Article transcribed in full:- Destructive Fire at Fordington 2nd Sep 1841 when 'Union Arms' was among 23 buildings destroyed.
1841 - Thur 7th Oct - Dorset County Chronicle - Page 1 - Article :- UNION ARMS, FORDINGTON - THE LATE FIRE
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PHILIP PEARCE respectfully announces to his Friends and the Public that the damage he sustained from the late lamentable Fire at Fordington has been sufficiently Repaired to permit his REOPENING the same INN for the reception and accommodation of those who may honour him with their support; and he earnestly solicits a continuance of that kind of patronage hitherto extended to him
1844 - Pigots Directory - under Taverns and Public Houses - 'Union' Philip Pearce
1849 - Post Office Directory - Philip Pearce Union Arms Fordington
1851 - Hunt & Co's Directory Dorset etc - Page 82 - Under Inns and Public Houses ' Union ' Fordington, Philip Pearce
1851 - Census under 'Cuckolds Row Fordington' Philip Pearce age 57 born Sherborne a printer compositor but wife Eliza is shown as a victualler and his son Francis as a brewer
1852 - Slater's Directory under taverns and Public Houses - 'Union' Philip Pearce Fordington
1855 - Post Office Directory - Dorset, Dorchester, Page 34 - John Pearce? 'Union Inn' Fordington
1859 - Post Office Directory - Dorset Dorchester, Page 613 - Philip Pearce 'Union Inn' Fordington
1861 - Census under 'Union Arms' Cuckold's Row - Philip Pearce age 67, Victualler born Sherborne, with his wife Eliza & son Francis
1864 - Wed 30 Nov - Dorset County Chronicle - Page 3 - "The licence of the Union Arms, Fordington was transferred from Mr Philip Pearce to Mr Robert Morgan "
1864 - Thur 27 Oct - Weymouth Telegram - To be Let the "UNION ARMS", Fordington Apply to Messrs Eldridge Pope, Mason and Co the Brewery Dorchester.
1865 - Harrods' Directory - William Pearce 'Union Arms' and a shopkeeper East Fordington
1866 - Inquest held at the 'Union Arms' in Fordington - See Southern Times and Dorset County Herald Sat 7th July 1866 regarding the death of David Lester
1867 - Jury List for Fordington : George Pitfield of Cuckold's Row an Innkeeper Qualification House assessment {ditto 1868 return]
1867 - Thurs 17th Oct - Weymouth Telegram - Page 2 -
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" George Pitfield, Landlord of the 'Union Arms', Fordington, was charged with selling beer at unlawful hours. P.S.Cousins said that on Sunday October 6 about 11.30 he went to the back gate of defendants house and sent P.C. Keech to the front. He saw Pitfield run from the front door towards the tap-room behind. He heard him say "----you, here's a policeman coming". P.C.Keech went into the house by the front door, and witness got over the back gate, and went into the tap-room, where he found three cups under the settle -- one containing malt liquor. He told Pitfield he had no occasion to push the people he had there out so quick, and he said "he had no person in the house at all except his own people, and so did his wife". He opened the door from the tap-room into the brew house behind, into which he walked and in one corner of the brew house he found six men huddled in under a copper! These were Samuel Lestyer, John Coombs Junior, Henry Prowse, Robert White Pitfield and Read. None were lodgers there. Defendant: has Cousins a right to get over my back door? The Town Clerk: Certainly - Defendant said he did not tell men to go under the copper! they ran there of their own accord. One of the lodgers left the door open and these men rushed in but they had nothing to drink. --Fined 40s including costs this being a first offence.
1871 - Census under 'Union Arms' Cuckolds Row - George Pitfield (1815-1874) publican age 56 born at Stinsford.
1874 - Fri 8th May 1874 - Weymouth Telegram - The licence of :- --- The 'Union Arms' was transferred form George Pitfield to Caroline Pitfield his widow
1875 - Post Office Directory - 'Union Arms' Fordington - Mrs Caroline Pitfield [Note:- widow of George Pitfield (1815-1874) ]
1876 - Fri 6 Oct 1876 - Weymouth Telegram - Deaths - September 30 at the 'Union Arms' Fordington, Rose Anna eldest daughter of the late Mr. G. Pitfield aged 30 generally respected. Note;- Her burial gives her address as School Street.
1877 - Fri 1 June 1877 - Caroline Pitfield of the 'Union Arms' Fordington defended by Mr.Weston was summoned for keeping her house open for the sale of liquor during prohibited hours. long account - Dismissed
1881 - Census under 'Union Arms' Cuckold's Row Caroline Pitfield a widow aged 60 'Innkeeper of the Union Arms'
1884 - 18 Sep 1884 Thurs - Dorset County Chronicle page 8 - Charges of Theft : Alfred Millington a native of Jamaica was charged with stealing a woollen shirt value 5s; the property of George Lugg Inkeeper Stars-lane . The shirt was stolen on the 8th Dec and on the 10th Sergeant Eveligh found prisoner at the 'Union Arms' Fordington wearing the stolen article- Prisoner pleaded guilty and being unable to pay a fine of £1 was sent to prison for 14 days.
1885 - Fri 24 Apr 1885 - Southern Times & Dorset County Herald - Petty Sessions Ellen Corbet a flower hawker from Newport charged with breaking windows at the 'Union Arms ' - Mrs Pitfield the Landlady gave evidence - long article not transcribed Guilty Fined.
1886- Fri 16 Apr 1886 Bridport News page 4 - Licensing Business - At the Borough petty sessions on Monday before Mayor (Alderman Gregory) etc -- The following licences were transferred :- 'Union Arms Inn' from the late Caroline Pitfield to John Bush.
1888 - Fri 6 Apr 1888 - Bridport News - Stealing Boots - At the Borough Police Court on Thursday, before the Mayor, John Smith, of Leeds was charged with stealing a pair of boots from the 'Union Arms' Fordington, the property of Elias Mayo, the landlord --- etc etc
1888 - Fri 10 Aug 1888 - Bridport News - A Severe Fall - Mr E. Mayo of the 'Union Arms Inn' Fordington whilst coming from the stables to his house had a very severe fall down some steps, dislocating his right shoulder . He was attended to at the Dorset County Hospital and since (under the care of Dr Kendall) is progressing favorably.
1889 - Kelly's Directory - Union Arms Public House - Elias (William) Mayo Senior
1891 - Census under Cuckold's Row 'Union Arms' - Elias Mayo age 58 a Chimney Sweep, born Upway with his wife Sarah aged 58 and 4 children eldest being Mary E (Elizabeth) Mayo aged 25 .
1893 - jury Lists Fordington - Elias Mayo of 'Union Arms' Occupier[There are also same return for years 1888;1889;1890;1891;1894
1895 - Kelly's Directory Page 75 - 'Union Arms' Public House 8 Holloway road, East Fordington Elias Mayo Senior
1899 - 3 Jan FStG Burial Register James Randall of the "Union Arms" Fordington died suddenly at Broadmayne 3rd Jan 1899 aged 42 years.
1899 - 6 Jan Article Bridport News 6th Jan 1899 Page 7 BROADMAYNE: Sudden Death: On Sunday a drover named James RANDALL (40) died suddenly while standing talking to another man in the street at Broadmayne. The body was removed to the "Black Dog" where an inquest was held the following afternoon"i.e. Probably a lodger at the Union Arms.
1901 - Census under 8 Holloway Road 'Union Arms' Elias Mayo age 68 Licenced Victualler (Publican) with wife Sarah and daughter Mary recorded as single aged 33 and a bar maid
1910 - Probate of Elias Mayo of the Union Arms Fordington Dorchester licensed victualler died 4th Sep 1910 with probate to Mary Elizabeth Mayo spinster and John Richard Peach saddler effects £145.19s9d
1911 - Census under 8-9 Holloway Road 'Union Arms' Mary Elizabeth Mayo unmarried age 45 Licenced Victualler (Innkeeper)
1912 - Marriage FStG - 25th Apr George Thomas age 57 a widower, parish clerk, resident 43 Dukes Avenue Fordington, father Esau Thomas deceased Parish clerk married Mary Elizabeth Mayo aged 46 spinster resident Union Arms Fordington father Elias Mayo deceased licenced Victualler
1915 - Kelly's Directory under Union Arms Public House; 8 Holloway Rd, East Fordington Mrs Mary Elizabeth Thomas
1915 - Jury List 1915 Fordington - George Thomas ; 9 Holloway Road occupier [Also 1916 and 1918 returns crossed out in 1920 return as died
1919 - Probate George Thomas of 8 Holloway Road Dorchester died 10th Jan 1919 Admin to Mary Elizabeth Thomas widow effects £206. 1s. 7d. 31st March 1919
1920 - Kelly's Directory - Mrs Mary Elizabeth Thomas Union Arms P.H.8 Holloway Road East Fordington
1927 - Kelly's Directory - Mrs Mary Elizabeth Thomas Union Arms P.H.8 Holloway Road East Fordington
1931 - Kelly's Directory - Mrs Mary Elizabeth Thomas Union Arms P.H.8 Holloway Road East Fordington
1939 - 29th Sep - War Census - 8-9 Holloway Road - Sidney E Rimmer male born 21 Sep 1903 Married Licensed Victualler; May Rimmer Female born 1st May 1903 Domestic Duties; Thomas E Rimmer Male born 12 Aug 1876 widower General Labourer
1946 - 7th Jan - "The Union Arms Inn" Holloway Road Dorchester valuation by George Henry Byng to Sydney Edward RIMMER
1978 - 'Union Arms' Closed Source:- "List of Eldridge Pope & Co Ltd Pubs : Sub Heading "Dorchester No 27 "Union Arms, Holloway Road, Fordington, Dorchester (closed 1978)".
From 1978 - The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)