George Hotel—George Street

George Street used to be known as the Old Market Place (1851 census) as the Market was previously situated on a site between George Street and the Butchery. The fact that George Street was possibly re-named after or along with the George Inn suggests that it was in existence when the earlier market was in operation. The earliest newspaper reference to the George appears to be this wordy article from the Hull Advertiser of 28 May 1824:

‘JOHN INGOLDBY

Most respectfully acquaints Commercial and Farming Gentlemen, his numerous Friends, and the Public in general, that he has removed to the George Inn, where he will be happy to see them in the future.

This well established concern being in the Market Place and centre of the Town and the London Mail and Express Coach, daily passing by, renders the George Inn peculiarly adapted for the transaction of Business, and a local convenience to such as occasionally take the route through Barton to the Metropolis. He has laid in a good stock of choice flavoured Wines, Genuine Spirits, and excellent Ale and Porter, which with good beds and Stabling, he trusts will enable him to offer superior Accommodation, and that the same will give the utmost satisfaction to all his future Customers. It is his fixed determination to conduct the George Inn on the most liberal principles; he therefore informs Commercial, Farming and all other gentleman who may have occasion to make a temporary stay at Barton, that it, will be his pride and pleasure, by a uniform and strict observance of their commands, and unremitting attention to their comfort and convenience, to merit their patronage and support.

J.I. offers his grateful acknowledgments to all his kind Friends, for their generous support during a Nine Years residence at the Swan Inn.

A Neat Gig, and Good Saddle Horses kept.

Barton-upon-Humber, May 26, 1824’

The Hull Packet of 26 July 1833 held a ‘to-let’ notice in which the inn was described as follows:

‘The George Inn ... comprising thirteen lodging rooms, a very commodious room for the Market ordinary ... commercial and other convenient rooms on the ground floor, bar, kitchen, cellars, stabling for sixty horses, coach house, farm buildings and yard adjoining, and a close of excellent pasture land where a sheep market has been established upwards of thirty years.’

In 1854 the George Inn was sold by auction, and in the details of the sale the inn was again described:

‘The Old Established George Inn in Barton with stable, yard, farm-yard, barn, stabling for sixty horses, loose boxes, carriage house, with Billiard room over the same, brew house, granary, and other requisite out-buildings; Corn Inspector’s office and druggist shop adjoining. Together with the paddock of rich Pasture Land, within a few yards of the house; garden, stack yard, and conveniences, thereto belonging, containing 2a. 0r. 25p. The house comprises a commercial room, news room, bar, tap room, evening room, good kitchens, pantries, and cellars; 12 lodging rooms and a large dining room, 51 feet by 20 feet, used as a market ordinary room, and for public occasions. The excellent fortnightly sheep market is held in the paddock and the beast market adjoins the same; and the former affords a good return for the provision of pens for stock.’ (sic)

The purchaser of the Inn, Mr Alfred Moss previously of the Waggon and Horses Inn, Fleetgate, announced later that he would continue his ‘wholesale Ale and Porter brewing’ on the premises, and continue with a ‘Market Ordinary’, held every Monday. An ‘ordinary’ was, amongst other things, an eating-house where a regular public meal was provided at a set price, and usually at a fixed time.

The former George Hotel paddock and beast market is the site of what is now housing at ‘Beretun Green’. It was also used as a site for the annual fairs. The F Hopper Cycle Works Band is known to have played in the George Hotel paddock on a Sunday afternoon during the summer months before the First World War and another band, the Barton Prize Silver Band, used a room at the George for practice.