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The Duke William

Upper Gornal Conservative Club, Ruiton - site of the 'Duke William'.

Photo 2015

The Duke William, 1 Vale Street/28 Holloway Street, Upper Gornal.

This old pub which dates from the early 1830s, once stood on the corner of the Holloway Street junction with Hill Street, the site is now occupied by the Conservative Club.
(The first Gornal Conservative Club was opened in 1889 in a building opposite St. James' Church.)

The premises also had a two storey brewery, yard and stabling on the opposite side of the road.

The pub closed in 1928 and was sold off, and later demolished.

A street opposite is called Duke Street.

1862 Sale: Wolverhampton Chronicle - 19 November.

DUKE WILLIAM INN,
RUITON, UPPER GORNAL.

TO BE LET, and may be entered upon immediately. the above Old-established PUBLIC HOUSE, which is replete with every convenience and retired yard. The Premises are spacious and an excellent trade has been carried on for many years, the present proprietor is retiring from the trade being the sole case of his leaving the premises. The In-coming about £150, and the rent £27 per annum.
For further particulars and to treat apply upon the premises or to John Bent, Auctioneer and Valuer, No. 5, Bush-street, Dudley.

Licensees:

1835 & 1842, Henry Smith. [Pigots Directory]
1850, Henry Smith. [P.O. Directory]
1851, Hannah Smith, aged 51 widow, victualler and shop keeper. [Census]
1861, Edward Williams, aged 30, licensed victualler. [Census]
1863, Edward Williams.
1863, Daniel Marsh.
1866, Enoch Burton.
1871, Enoch Burton, licensed victualler. [Census]
1880, John Wassell. [Kelly's Trade Directory]
1881, John Wassell, victualler. [Census]
1891, Richard and Hannah Marsh. [Census]
1896-1904, John Hughes Wise. [Kelly's Trade Directory]
1911, Harry Warren, aged 50, pubic house manager. [Census]
1912, Harry Warren. [Kelly's Trade Directory]
1916, Harry Warren. [Kelly's Trade Directory]
1921, William H. Carter. [Kelly's Trade Directory]
1924, Sarah Fergusson (Mrs). [Kelly's Trade Directory]
1928, John Cartwright. [Kelly's Trade Directory]

1902: Sale notice. County Advertiser - 14 June.

ON FRIDAY NEXT.
TO BREWERS AND OTHERS REQUIRING GENUINE OLD-ESTABLISHED FULLY LICENSED FREEHOLD PUBLIC-HOUSE, WITH POSSESSION.
NOTICE OF SALE BY AUCTION
OF AN
IMPORTANT DOUBLE FRONTED
PUBLIC-ROUSE
AT
RUITON, GORNAL, Near DUDLEY.

ALFRED W. DANDO has received instuction to SELL by AUCTION at the GREEN DRAGON INN, UPPER GORNAL. FRIDAY, JUNE 20th, 1902, at Seven o'clock in the Evening precisely, subject to Conditions of Sale then to be produeed:-
All that Important CORNER FULLY LICENSED PROPERTY, known as

"THE DUKE WILLIAM INN,"

Ruiton, Gornal, near Dudley, containing Smoke and Tap Rooms, Bar Parlour, Kitchen fitted with a first-class Range, Two Bed Rooms, large Club Roam, and Three capital Cellars, with Outbuildings in Enclosed Yard at back, together with Workshop on Land adjoining.
- Immediately in front, on opposite side of Street, is the Well-built BREWERY on Two Floors, with Stabling for Two Horses and Loft above, Piggeries, Pigeon Pen, &c., with small Strip of Land and a railed-off productive Kitchen Garden, the whole enclosed and approached by a double Gateway Entrance.
The Auctioneer begs to call the attention of Brewers and others to the foregoing Sale by Auction, which affords an exceptional opportunity of securing a really First-class Fully-licensed Property, doing a fine trade, and situate in a commanding position at the junction of Roads along which there is great traffic, and a large local population.
Further particulars may be obtained of W. A. Foster, Esq., Solicitor, Wolverhampton, or the Auctioneer, 18, Wolverhampton-street, Dudley. Telephone No. 56.

1885: Evening Express and Star, November 17.

SERIOUS CHARGE OF WOUNDING AT GORNAL

At the Sedgley Policce Court on Monday, William Harris(19), fruiter, Summit Place, Gornal Wood, and Elizabeth Breakwell (20), Upper Gornal, were charged on remand with unlawfully wounding Allen Clarke, fruiter, Lower Gornal. On Wednesday evening the complainant went to the Duke William Inn, Ruiton, where he met with the prisoner and others. A discussion took place respecting domestic affairs, and in consequence of prosecutor making a remark which reflected on the character of Breakwell, she threw a glass at prosecutor, which caused his chin to be injured. He threw the contents of a jug of beer at Breakwell, upon which Harris threw a jug at prosector's face, causing his nose to be nearly severed from his face, and to loose nearly a pint of blood. -Dr. Ballenden and Police Constable Gibbs gave evidence. -The Bench said as Breakwell had received a great deal of provocation they shold discharge her. Harris would be fined 20s. and costs and the surgeon's fees, or in default one months imprisonment.'

Origin of the pub name 'Duke William'

'Duke William' is thought to have originated from William, Duke of Normandy who became William the Conqueror in English history of 1066.

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