George And Dragon

George And Dragon

Bennett Street, Newton

The George & Dragon is probably the oldest pub in Newton. Records date the licence back to around 1756. It wasn't the large public house we know today, probably just a small cottage. 

Before 1756 it is thought that the premises were a shop before it gained a licence. The first recorded landlord was James Harrison, who kept the house for over twenty years. 

The next landlord, Jonathan Smith the elder, kept the George and Dragon from 1778 to 1826, a grand total of 48 years.When he died in 1826 his wife Elizabeth carried on for a further eight years and the Thomas Smith, thought to be a son carried on until 1850. It seemed to be a family tradition to be in the licensed trade as Jonathan had another son known as Jonathan The Younger who kept the Shoulder Of Mutton Inn on Talbot Road (1819-1823) and also the Bay Horse (1825-1834).

The sign of the George and Dragon was a very popular choice for public houses, commemorating the slaying of the fire breathing dragon by St. George. The landlady probably took some mickey taking around the 1860, as the landlord was called George Burton.

The George & Dragon is supposed to be haunted a ghost affectionately known as Ferdinand who seems to have been around since the 1950s. Nobody knows his origin; he is described as of average height with long, bushy beard, side whiskers, and wearing a long frock coat.

The pub boasts a fine bowling green at the rear and over the years a consistently good bowling team have won many prizes in local leagues.

Thanks to Paul Taylor for the information and my better half Jane for nipping down to the George and Dragon to take the pictures.

One time regular at 'The George and Dragon' was my father-in-law 'Nev Drinkwater' whose name was most inappropriate as I only ever saw him with a pint in his hand... much the same with his daughter (my very own dragon) now.. ha! 

Happy St Georges day to you all

Up dated with Whit Walks Pictures





Whit Walks At Dragon Square