Woodman Inn

Located on the main Wakefield to Halifax turnpike (now Halifax Road) near to the top of The Balks. Seems to have ceased trading in 1905. The premises are no longer in situ.

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 for Mark Fisher of the Woodman Inn, Hightown was granted without any objection.

2 Apr 1871 - Census entry - Hightown. Premises not named but evidence suggests it was here.
Mark FISHER  Head  M  51  Wheelwright & beer shop  Hightown
Hannah FISHER  Wife  M  45
Samuel NICHOLSON  Son  U  22  Mechanic
Fredrick NICHOLSON  Son  U  18  Lab
Pricilla FISHER  Dau  U  20  Worsted mill
William FISHER  Son  7  Scholar

26 Aug 1872 - Brewster Sessions - It was reported that a number of premises in the district were not of a sufficient rateable value and had to be brought up to the standard. One of these being the Woodman, Hightown, house of Mark Fisher.

17 Sep 1877 - Court Case - Mark Fisher convicted of permitting drunkenness on his premises. Fined £2 and costs.

3 Apr 1881 - Census - Hightown. Premises not named and no mention of any connected trade but evidence suggests it was here. Mark fisher, a carpenter, recorded with his family.

2 Mar 1891 - Licence Transfer - Woodman Inn, Hightown. From Mark Fisher to Hannah Fisher (widow of Mark).

5 Apr 1891 - Census - Woodman Inn, Hightown. The widow Hannah Fisher recorded as beer house keeper & grocer.

24 Jun 1892 - Court Case - Hannah Fisher was convicted of permitting drunkenness on her premises. Fined 20s and costs.

6 May 1895 - Licence Transfer - Woodman Inn, Hightown. From Hannah Fisher to William Fisher (her son).

4 Jul 1898 - Licence Transfer - Woodman Inn, Hightown. From William Fisher to Charles Gibson.

10 Oct 1898 - Court Case - Charles Gibson of the Woodman Inn, Hightown was taken to court as he had been serving customers whilst suffering from an infectious disease, scarlet fever. He was fined 10s and costs.

7 Nov 1898 - Licence Transfer - Woodman Inn, Hightown. From Charles Gibson to Joah Sheard.

2 Jan 1899 - Licence Transfer - Woodman Inn, Hightown. From Joah Sheard to Joseph Teale.

1 May 1899 - Licence Transfer - Woodman Inn, Hightown. From Joseph Teale to Richard Butterfield.

5 Mar 1900 - Licence Transfer - Woodman Inn, Hightown. From Richard Butterfield to Arthur Berry.

31 Mar 1901 - Census - Hightown. Premises not named but evidence suggests it was here. Beer shop keeper recorded as Arthur Berry & family.

4 Nov 1901 - Licence Transfer - Woodman Inn, Hightown. From Arthur Berry to James Wood.

27 Nov 1903 - Court Case - James Wood, landlord of the Woodman Inn, Hightown, was convicted of selling outside of permitted hours and fined 20s and costs.

5 Apr 1905 - Court Case - James Wood of the Woodman Inn, Hightown appealed as to the refusal of his licence on the grounds that the premises were ill-conducted. The appeal was dismissed.

17 Apr 1905 - Auction - Held at the Woodman Inn regarding the sale of hotel fixtures, trade utensils and household items. No doubt linked to the recent licence refusal and there are no further mentions of the house after this time...