Fox & Grapes

Located at Hill Top, more or less opposite the White Horse. It appears that the Walker family resided here for many years conducting a carrying business and census records show them residing at "Hill Top" from as early as 1841. Only later, does it mention the beerhouse side of things. The premises closed down in 1921 and is now a private residence.

1857 - Trade Directory - Kelly's Post Office Directory lists William Walker as a beer retailer & carrier. Premises not named but believed to be here.

7 Apr 1861 - Census - Hill Top. Premises not named but believed to be here. Innkeeper recorded as William Walker who was also a common carrier.

23 Aug 1869 - Brewster Sessions - Annual session for the granting and renewal of licences was held at Dewsbury. It being the first session in which the new Wine and Beer Act was put in force. The licence of William Walker of the Fox and Grapes, Hill Top was granted without any objection.

2 Apr 1871 - Census - Hill Top. Premises not named but believed to be here. Beerhouse keeper recorded as Joseph Walker & family. He was also a waste dealer and son of the above William. Joseph's son Edwin, then takes the premises in 1895.

4 Dec 1876 - Court Case - William Walker, landlord of the Fox & Grapes Inn  was convicted of permitting drunkenness in his house. Fined £2 and costs.

1 Jan 1877 - Licence Transfer - Premises not named but believed to be here. From William Walker to Joseph Walker.

24 May 1880 - Court Case - Joseph Walker was convicted of selling outside of permitted hours. Fined 5s and costs.

7 Nov 1887 - Licence Transfer - Fox & Grapes Inn, Hill Top. From Joseph Walker to Waring Blackburn.

5 Apr 1891 - Census - Fox & Grapes Inn, Oxford Road. Landlord recorded as Waring Blackburn & his wife Hannah.

4 Nov 1895 - Licence Transfer - Fox & Grapes Inn, Hill Top. From Waring Blackburn to Edwin Walker.

Aug 1897 - Brewery - Acquired by Richard Whittaker & Sons.

31 Mar 1901 - Census - Fox & Grapes Inn, Gomersal. Landlord recorded as Edwin Walker, wife Ann and family.

1 Jul 1901 - Licence Transfer - Fox & Grapes Inn, Hill Top. From Edwin Walker to Josiah Pyrah.

3 Jun 1907 - Licensing Register - Transfer of licence from Josiah Pyrah to Alfred Benn

2 Apr 1911 - Census - Fox & Grapes, Hill Top. Landlord recorded as Alfred Benn and family.

1912 - Brewery - Sold by Richard Whittaker & Sons.

31 May 1920 - Licensing Register - Renewal of the licence refused by the Compensation Authority

12 Feb 1921 - Licensing Register - Compensation paid by the Compensation Authority

19 Feb 1921 - Licensing Register - Premises closed down.