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I wonder if anyone has any information on what looks in the 1851 census to be 'Crop Gates Inn' in Barrowford Booth? The previous two households in the census are at 'Great Stone Edge' and 'Little Stone Edge'. The licensed victualler in 1851 was John Holt, a probable relative of my ancestor, Martha Ann Holt, who married Thomas Croasdale in 1813

Ruth

It's 'Cross Gates', still there. Up from Higherford towards White Moor and Barlick. It has a famous old sign 'free ale tomorrow for nothing'. Of course we all know when tomorrow comes, or doesn't.

Rex

Many thanks again Rex.

Cross Gates is great news for me as I remember the pub, and the sign, very well – despite leaving the area before I reached official drinking age!

Ruth

Is the "Crop Gates Inn" actually the same as the current "Cross Gaits" on Barnoldswick Rd? If so when did the name change?
Not being too pedantic the caption is actually.
( "ISE" "Good Ale to Morrow for nothing." "AD 1736")

Who was ISE or SIE depending how you read it.

It hadn't occurred to me yesterday but the p in Crops Gates would have been an example of the old-fashioned way of writing the first s of a double s. I have just checked this out now by finding a drepsmaker in the same handwriting elsewhere in the same census area.

Ruth

The long "s" did survive in the form of the letter "f" long after the 1860s. This would explain the Crops V Cross. But when did "Gates" change to "Gaits"?

I think Gates and Gaits are just alternative spellings. 'Gate' means 'way' or 'road', and of course this is a cross roads.

Sorry, from memory I didn't give the inscription correct. 'Free' ale would be for nothing !

I looked in various books for the bearers of the initials, no luck. The current publican might know. Good excuse for a pint.

Rex