Tanners' Arms, Alnwick

 Name: Tanners' Arms

Address: 2, Hotspur Place, Alnwick

c.2025

The Tanners' Arms is a Grade II listed stone-built public house, dating back to the Georgian period (1813), and is located on the corner of Hotspur Place and Hotspur Street. If you look up at the curved corner, you'll see it is topped with moulded capping and inscribed, 'Brewers Arms', the Inn's original name.

The listed landlords at the pub were Ralph Weatherburn (1813-23), Ralph & Isabella Weatherburn (1832-31), Isabella Weatherburn (1831-54), David Wright (1854-60), William Venus (1860-), Edward Weir (1870-), James Gowenlock (1879-81), James & Mary Ann Veall (1881-88), Oswald & Isabella Gibbison (1881-1902), Isabella  Gibbison (1902-05), Michael & Isabella Mackenzie (1905-10), Isabella Mackenzie (1910-32), Oswald Gibbison Jnr. (1932-58), Jack Mackenzie (1958-81), Ann & Winston Hardisty (1981-96), David Wilson (1996-), Ben Greener (-2021) and Simon Greener (2021-).

The map below comes from 1769 at which time the street and buildings did not exist, only the Fleece Inn can be made out, standing at the bottom of what was later to become Hotspur Street.

1769 Armstrong's Map of Northumberland

If we roll the clock forward around 60 years, the pub can clearly be seen at the end of Hotspur Place in 1827.

1827 Town Plan

The warehouses that were to become Luke Hindmarsh's Timber & Leather merchants, and the inspiration for the change of name to the Tanners' Arms were not yet built but the following map confirms they had been by 1851.

1851 Town Plan

The pub at this time was called the Brewer's Arms, as the sign suggests, and it was only in the mid-1850s that it was renamed the Tanners' Arms, a name it has retained for the last 170+ years (2025). 

Original signage above the pub

You have to go back a hundred years or so, looking into the history of the Weatherburn family, one of Alnwick's oldest families, to understand the origins of the pub's first name. 

As far back as 1722 Luke Weatherburn is recorded as a Freeholder in the town, and whilst the below record does not confirm which properties or land he owned, other records confirm they owned the Plough Inn and The Brewer's Arms.

1722 Freeholders in Alnwick - Luke Weatherburn

The below register confirms Luke Weatherburn Jnr.'s occupation as a Blacksmith in the town and supporting the local community in taking on apprentices in the late 1700s. 

1775 Register of Duties Paid for Apprentice Indentures in Alnwick - Luke Weatherburn

In 1779 Luke's son Ralph Weatherburn was born in Alnwick and in his early 20s was recorded as a member of the local freemasons, his original occupation being a butcher.

1802 Alnwick Freemasons - Ralph Weatherburn (Butcher)

In 1803 Ralph married Jane Crosier (Crozer) in nearby Whittingham and together they had three daughters; Ann (1804-19), Mary (1806) and Jane (1808), all of whom were baptised at the parish church of St Michael in Alnwick. 

Jane Weatherburn

Gender Female

Baptism Date 23 Oct 1808

Baptism Place Alnwick, Northumberland, England

Father Ralph Weatherburn

Mother Jane Crozer

During this period I believe they were running the Plough Inn, the history of which is recorded on the Alnwick & District History Society website, and provides insight into the pub's original name, the 'Brewer’s Arms'...

Once the site of a thatched inn named Ye Old Plough, demolished in the late 1800s, this establishment was licensed to sell ale, spirits, tobacco and porter; a drink made from malted barley created in London in the 1700s. It is known that Mrs. Weatherburn, a hostess of The Plough brewed her own ale “for which she was greatly celebrated”. 

I suspect the family built the Tanners' Arms beerhouse whilst at the Plough, expanding their footprint in the town and named it the 'Brewer's Arms', for, or in memory of Ralph's wife Jane, as sadly, she died just before it was completed in 1812, at the tender age of 29 years, leaving Ralph a widow.

Seven years later Ralph's daughter Ann died when in her mid-teens, leaving Ralph and his two daughters Mary and Jane. He remained a widow until September 1823 when he married once more, to Isabella Henderson. 

Parish records confirm he and Isabella had three children together, John (1825), Ralph (1827) and Margaret Ann (1831) and press articles during this period confirm they were living on Hotspur Place, and undoubtedly running the Brewer's Arms. Sadly, Ralph was also to pass away in June of 1831 leaving Isabella to bring up a young family on her own at the pub.

Further reference to the Weatherburn family linked to the Plough appears in the following article, confirming the ownership of the Plough by Luke Weatherburn, Ralph's father.

Alnwick Mercury - Monday 02 December 1861
Last of the Ancient Burgages of Alnwick

The article suggest that Luke Weatherburn left the Plough Inn to his daughter Jane in his will, but from reviewing parish and census records, which show Jane and her husband James Paterson running the Plough in the mid-1800s, it is clear that Jane was actually his granddaughter, her parents being Ralph Weatherburn and Jane Crosier. 

James Paterson and Jane Weatherburn were married in Alnwick on 22nd March 1830, and it seems reasonable to assume that Ralph left the Plough to his daughter Jane in his will, the 1832 poll record below confirming as much. 

1832 Plough James Paterson Poll Books

Mary Weatherburn, Ralph's other daughter from his first marriage to Jane Crozier married a local man, William Pringle in 1825 and they emigrated to the USA, settling in Massachusetts where they saw out their days.

The first official record I can find of a landlord at the Tanners' is three years after Ralph's death, when his widow Isabella Weatherburn is recorded as a retailer of beer on Hotspur Place, and the 1841 census that followed shows Isabella living there with her daughter Margaret Ann, her occupation shown as 'publican'.

1834 Pigot's Directory - Isabella Weatherburn

1841 Census - Isabella Weatherburn

The 1851 census again saw Isabella living with her daughter Margaret Ann Weatherburn at the Inn, her occupation recorded as Innkeeper. Her place of birth was recorded as 'Cornhill', these days known as Cornhill-on-Tweed, a small village in the most northern part of Northumberland on the Scottish border.

1854 Death Register for Isabella Weatherburn

Just three years later Isabella passed away and the pub was let to a David Wright. By this time, the warehouses behind the pub had been built and were the home of Luke Hindmarsh's tannery, which gave inspiration for the name change; the tannery behind the pub being one of several originally operating in the town, to which the pub serves as a permanent reminder.

Luke Hindmarsh (1802-1877) Timber and Leather merchant

The 1855 directory below was the first time any reference was made to the Inn being called the Tanners' Arms.

1855 Whelan's Directory - David Wright

1855 Public Houses in Alnwick

AUCTION

Lot 2. The Tanners' Arms PUBLIC HOUSE, 

containing Ale Cellar, Parlour, Kitchen, Back Kitchen, Sitting Room, Bed Room, and Light Closet, in Hotspur Place, Alnwick, and occupied by Mr. David Wright.

Published: Saturday 05 April 1856

Newspaper: Newcastle Journal

Whilst put up for auction in 1856, it's not clear who bought the Tanners', but David Wright remained there for a couple of years before moving on in 1860.

1858 Post Office Directory - David Wright

In 1851 a William and Isabella Venus were to be found running the now long-forgotten Phoenix Inn on St Michael's Lane, William juggling his main occupation as a 'Mason' with being an 'Inn Keeper'.

1864 Town Plan

1851 Census - William & Isabella Venus @ Phoenix Inn

By 1860 the Venus family had moved outside the town's walls and were ensconced behind the bar at the Tanners', erstwhile landlord, David Wright having done a swap, and moved in at the Phoenix Inn.

WILLIAM VENUS, - ST. MICHAEL'S PLACE, ALNWICK. 

Begs to announce to his friends that he has removed to the TANNERS' ARMS INN, Hotspur Street, where he hopes to receive a continuance of their favours.

Published: Friday 01 June 1860

Newspaper: Alnwick Mercury

County: Northumberland, England

This is the first link I can find to the Gibbison family for the Tanners', a link that lasted all the way through to the 1980s. Isabella Venus' sister, Elizabeth Davison was married to George Gibbison, whose daughter Mary Ann Gibbison ran the pub with her husband James Veall from 1881 onwards, and later, Elizabeth and George's son, Oswald Gibbison was the landlord in the late 1800s. Indeed, the Venus family links to the pub started in 1860 and were still evident in 1911 so one could speculate that it was William Venus who bought the Inn at auction and it was passed down through the family from that time onwards.

1861 Census - William Venus

1864 Town Plan - the Tannery Warehouses now built

At some time prior to the 1871 census the Venus family moved on, making way for Edward & Isabella Weir, and just a year later William Venus was to pass away, prompting speculation that his failing health was the reason they left the pub; he is buried at Alnwick Cemetery.

1871 Census Edward Weir

On New Year's Day a rabbit coursing was held on the Hope House farm, the house of Mr. E. Weir, Tanners’ Arms, Alnwick. There were 38 entries and some vital sport was afforded.

Published: Friday 03 January 1873

Newspaper: Newcastle Journal

County: Northumberland, England

Originally from the farming community, Edward worked as a butcher in the town, supplementing his income with revenue from the pub.

ALNWICK PETTY SESSIONS

Saturday, Jan. 17. Assault on Publican

James Hall, was charged with assaulting Edward Weir, 

landlord of the Tanners' Arms Inn, Alnwick.

Published: Saturday 24 January 1874

Newspaper: Alnwick Mercury

ALNWICK PETTY SESSIONS

Assault — Roger Gair, was charged with assaulting Joseph Pickard in the Tanners' Arms Inn, Alnwick, on the night of Saturday the 12th.

Published: Saturday 26 February 1876

Newspaper: Alnwick Mercury

Edward Weir's time at the Tanners' appears to have been a turbulent one, and by the late 1870s he had left, the license being transferred to James Gowenlock.

1879 Kelly's Directory James Gowenlock

James was originally from Scotland and was working as a timber merchant alongside running the Inn with his wife, Barbara; he may well have been an employee of Luke Hindmarsh.

1881 Census - James Gowenlock

Photo of the pub when run by Jack (John) Mackenzie c.1960s

April 1881 saw the marriage of James Veall to Mary Ann Gibbison in Alnwick, and the following month they took over the Tanners', with James Gowenlock moving to the Angel Inn on Clayport Street.

ALNWICK PETTY SESSIONS

Taking effect from the 12th day of May

Angel Inn, Alnwick, from Charles Crawford to James Gowenlock. Tanner's Arms, Alnwick, from James Gowenlock to James Veall. Robin Hood Inn, Alnwick, from David Wright to Robert Wilson, 

Published: Saturday 14 May 1881

Newspaper: Alnwick Mercury

County: Northumberland, England

NOTICE OF THE BENEVOLENT ANNUAL SOCIETY

Held at Mr. James Veall's, Tanners' Arms, Alnwick, is now open for the Enrolment of new members between the ages of 18 and 45 years...

Published: Saturday 21 May 1881

Newspaper: Alnwick Mercury

County: Northumberland, England

HANDICAP AT ALNWICK

On Thursday, a pigeon shoot for amateur gentlemen was carried out under the supervision of Mr. James Veall of the Tanners’ Arms, Alnwick

Published: Saturday 17 February 1883

Newspaper: Newcastle Journal

County: Northumberland, England

Mary Ann's aunt, Isabella Venus lived with the family following her husband's death in 1872, as the death notice below confirms...

DEATHS

 At Tanners’ Arms Inn, Alnwick, Isabella Catherine Venus,

widow of William Venus, aged 60.

Published: Friday 20 May 1887

Newspaper: Berwick Advertiser

County: Northumberland, England

... the following year, the family suffered further loss with the death of Mary Ann, at just 27 years of age. This prompted their departure from the Tanners'; father and son (James Venus Veall) going to live with James' parents in South Wales, although their son was to return to Alnwick in adulthood and live in the flat at 2 Hotspur Place in 1911.

ALNWICK PETTY SESSIONS

...licence transferred to Oswald Gibbison, from James Veall, of the Tanner's Arms, Alnwick; to William Mordue, from John Bell, of the Blinkbonny Hotel, Christon Bank;...

Published: Saturday 12 May 1888

Newspaper: Morpeth Herald

County: Northumberland, England

An infant suffocated by its mother at Alnwick

On Wednesday, Mr. George E. Watson, Coroner for North Northumberland, held inquest at the Tanners' Arms, Alnwick, on the body of Thomas Parfitt, the infant son of Colour Sergeant James Parfitt, 3rd Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers.

Published: Saturday 12 January 1889

Newspaper: Newcastle Courant

1895 Kelly's Directory Oswald Gibbison

It's interesting to see that James Gowenlock, who had previously moved from the Tanners' to the Angel Inn in 1881 was running yet another of the town's hostelries in 1895, the Globe Inn.

1901 Census - Oswald Gibbison

LATE ANNOUNCEMENT DEATH

ALNWICK, Hobberlaw, at the residence of his parents, aged 38 years, Oswald Gibbison, Tanners’ Arms, Alnwick. Cortege leaves Hobberlaw at 1.50 p.m., internment as 3 p.m. on Wednesday.

Published: Tuesday 07 October 1902

Newspaper: Newcastle Journal

County: Northumberland, England

After Oswald's premature death in 1902, his widow Isabella married Michael Hammond Mackenzie in 1905, but this marriage was also to be cut tragically short, when he too died in 1910.

1910 Probate of Michael Mackenzie

1911 Census - Isabella Mackenzie

The following history was posted by a Derek Knox on the Alnwick Memories Community Facebook page in April 2024 and provides a fabulous insight into the history of the Tanners' and the Gibbison family.

A few months ago I bought at an auction a large box of cards, photos, papers etc. and hidden at the bottom was an old black wallet with Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps on the front with the Latin Labor Omnia Vincit (work conquers all) above. Inside were 4 items -an identity card, a first world war discharge certificate, a photo of some children running and an inch square photograph of presumably the owner, Oswald Gibbison (see below).

Oswald was the son of Oswald Gibbison, born at Alnwick and Isabella Liddell born at Harehope Hill, Eglingham in 1868. The Liddells lived at Wooperton Lodge in 1881, at the Turks Head on Bondgate at Alnwick in 1891 and 1901.

In 1901 Oswald lived with his father, mother, sister Isabella and brother George at the Tanners' Arms in Alnwick but in 1903 his father died at Hobberlaw. His mother then married Michael Mackenzie but he died on the 5th November 1910. In the 1911 census Oswald is with his mother and sister Isabella at the Tanners' Arms with Michael's 4 children; Isabella, Edward, John and Emily.

His brother George who had gone to the Dukes school and left there in 1908 as a joiner, lived at Hotspur Place, then joined the 3rd Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers, became a Lance Corporal but sadly died because of wounds in 1917 and is buried at Lembet Military Cemetary Greece.

In 1918 Oswald married Elsie Greaves of Sheffield.

In September 1939 Edward Mackenzie married Violet Gunn at Alnwick and only 2 months later his mother... died when living at Stott Street Alnwick. Oswald was living at Lesbury with his daughter Jocelyn when he died on the 23rd November 1973.

Oswald Gibbison Jnr c.1914

Hotspur Street in the 1960/70s

1911 Census - James Venus Veall 2 Hotspur Place

February 1912 Alnwick Mercury

1914 Kelly's Directory - Isabella Mackenzie

22/07/1916 Lance Sergeant George Gibbison, N.F., Alnwick was wounded in action for the 2nd time. He joined the line regiment of the Northumberland Fusiliers 5 years ago, and was serving with his battalion in India, and with it when through several engagements till wounded in the chest in February. After becoming convalescent he returned to the Front, and was again wounded in action at the beginning of the present month, Lance Sergeant G Gibbison is the second son of the late Mr. Oswald Gibbison, and of Mrs. I. McKenzie, Hotspur Place, Alnwick. Tragically, George died the following year.

#

1921 Census - Isabella Mackenzie

1921 Kelly's Directory - Isabella Mackenzie

Living next door to Isabella in 1921 was her son, Oswald, who at that time was working as a coal miner. Eleven years later, in 1932 his mother retired and Oswald took over running the Tanners' with his wife Elsie.

1921 Census - Oswald Gibbison

1939 Register - Oswald Gibbison

The 1939 register also confirms that Isabella remained living in Alnwick after retirement, at 12 Stott Street, with her son John, daughter Emily and younger sister Louise Liddell. At that time, John was employed as a Foreman in the building trade.

1939 Register Isabella Mackenzie

1939 Obituary Isabella Mackenzie

1939 Probate record for Isabella Mackenzie

TALK AT ASHINGTON ROTARY CLUB

The arrangements were carried out by Mrs. J. Robertson, 

of the Turk’s Head, Alnwick, and Mrs. O. Gibbison (Elsie), 

the Tanners’ Arms, Alnwick.

Published: Friday 22 February 1952

Newspaper: Morpeth Herald

County: Northumberland, England

Retirement ends 80-year link

A family’s 80-year link with one of Alnwick’s oldest licensed premises, The Tanners' Arms, ended this week with the retirement of Mr. and Mrs. Oswald Gibbison. Mr. Gibbison succeeded his mother as “mine host” 26 years ago.

Published: Friday 19 September 1958

Newspaper: Morpeth Herald

County: Northumberland, England

The above article is actually incorrect, as Jack Mackenzie took over behind the bar following the Gibbisons' retirement in 1958 and continued to run the pub for the next 20 years or so. Jack, whose full name was John Hammond Mackenzie was the half-brother of Oswald, his parents being Michael Hammond Mackenzie Snr. and Isabella Gibbison nee Liddell, so even after Oswald's retirement, the pub remained in family hands until the early 1980s.

1973 Probate record for Oswald Gibbison

Gibbison Family Headstone

Eddie Clowrie, Jack Mackenzie & Jimmy Lillico
Tanners Arms c.1960s

Jack Mackenzie serving behind the bar

By 1981 Jack had retired from the business, which was then taken on by Ann and Winston Hardisty.

GURNING

Gurning Championship at the Tanners' Arms on Sunday night!

For the strong and would be strong, there’s plenty of opportunity to demonstrate. Arm wrestling competitions are on at The Globe, a strong-man contest is starting from the Tanners...

Published: Thursday 21 June 1984

Newspaper: Morpeth Herald

County: Northumberland, England

TANNERS ARMS, ALNWICK

An extremely popular and well frequented public house situated just outside the Bondgate, is being sold as a successful going concern, together with the benefit of self-contained flat above.

Published: Friday 25 June 1993

Newspaper: Alnwick Mercury

County: Northumberland, England

The King is dead, long live the King

The biggest shock of the opening day of Alnwick Fair came long after the market had shut up shop for the day, as folk gathered at Ye Olde Tanners Arms for a veritable feast of fun in the company of Mine Host Baron Hardup.

Published: Thursday 01 July 1993

Newspaper: Morpeth Herald

Ann & Winston Hardisty

After 15 years behind the bar at the Tanners Arms, Alnwick, Ann and Winston Hardisty have called time. Ann said: “We came here in 1981 for two years and we never wanted to leave. We won’t miss the job but we will miss the people.

Published: Friday 21 June 1996

Newspaper: Alnwick Mercury

County: Northumberland, England

TOP TRIO

Alnwick Garden Centre grows more than plants.

The centre's Tom Robinson is the new Alnwick Fair Strongman while colleague John Angus won the new Speed Contest. Their trophies were presented by Tanners' Arms landlord David Wilson.

Published: Friday 11 July 1997

Newspaper: Alnwick Mercury

County: Northumberland, England

Reward for the return of Joe

Customers are being asked to keep their eyes after a parrot escaped from a house in Alnwick at the weekend. The African Grey called Joe belongs to the Wilson family who run the Tanner's Arms in the town and escaped on Sunday through an open window...

Published: Thursday 11 July 2002

Newspaper: Alnwick Mercury

Ecstasy man fined £4OO

Alnwick Magistrates heard that Copper was arrested after police with sniffer dogs raided the Tanners' Arms on September 27th last year. Copper's solicitor told the court that the drugs were for Copper's own personal use.

Published: Thursday 16 January 2003

Newspaper: Alnwick Mercury

County: Northumberland, England

Landlord Simon Greener in 2024

CAMRA members name The Tanners Arms in Alnwick as the best pub in North Northumberland

By Ian Smith Published 8th Feb 2024

The Tanners Arms on Hotspur Place was voted for by members of the Tyneside and Northumberland branch of CAMRA. 

“It came completely out of the blue but was a very pleasant surprise,” said publican Simon Greener.

He quit his office job to take over the business from his brother, Ben, in July 2021. " It’s been fun,” he said. “I enjoy being my own boss now – and, of course, the beer!” 

The pub specialises in beers brewed between the Tweed and the Tees and this has gone down well with locals and tourists. "We get a good mix of customers,” said Simon. “We’ve got our core of regulars but quite quite a lot of visitors too who find us after a Google search. It’s nice taking them through the different beers we offer.”