Witchill pub (and Hotel), at 110 Barry Road, Barry and the corner of Herbert Street, Cadoxton is iconic.
Now after a deeper look, the Witchill had an earlier start in construction than I mentioned previous. John Anzevino, a fellow Barry and District Museumeer, went into deep research on the Witchill, and it is in fact amongst some of the oldest surviving pub and hotel buildings in our Barry and District. A couple of years makes a difference, it was built by around September 1887.
The Witchill received its licence as reported in the then South Wales Echo of October 6, 1887. Benjamin Hoddinott was its first proprietor. However, when the first paying customers turned up at the Witchill is unclear. But, by March 29, 1888, as in the South Wales Daily News, an advert was published, wanting a ‘good General Servant’ for the Witchill Hotel.
Looking at a view along Herbert Street to Barry Road of the Witchill, it is a strange, shaped building indeed, of Carboniferous Limestone, two adjoined two-storey structures shaped to the side of Herbert Street. And an opulent use of locally produced yellow brick on the second floor and use in three string courses. Yellow chimney stacks still exist.
Some weird activities by modern standards were being undertaken at the Witchill Hotel under Benjamin Hoddinott in 1898, including: shooting live pigeons from the hotel’s back garden on March 2, 1898, and the main prize was a staggering £10. Then we have live rabbit coursing in 1891, and even dog racing on numerous occasions. You really can’t make this stuff up!
And, it makes one think, how much time Mr. Hoddinott had to operate all these schemes whilst running the hotel. There is more, there were also high stakes; no less than £25 (above average yearly wages back then).
On Monday, September 1, 1890, where the Witchill Hotel’s own pony (Visitor) entered a one-mile trotting match at Sully Road. And 1,000 people watching. And the pony mare named ‘Visitor’ beat a Mr. Burnett’s mare named ‘Whitefoot’ in a fast time of three and half minutes. More such races would continue.
By mid 1898, Benjamin Hoddinott, disposed of the Witchill into the hands of David Jones, as reported in the South Wales Echo of October 24, 1898; who now held a temporary licence for the hotel.
But, by far the most famous of events; now lost in time, reported by Barry Herald of Friday May 13, 1904, tells of the world-famous Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show visiting the grounds of the Witchill Hotel. And a full-blown reconstruction of The Battle of Little Big Horn, taking place for one day only on Thursday, May 19, presided over by Colonel W. F. Cody himself: BUFFALO BILL.
I think writing this, I got distracted by the events that took place from a small period of time in the Witchill’s 139 year history, phew.
Just wanted to mention one final detail amongst many I could. Look up inside the Witchill and you will see some amazing painted ceiling roses, and some very colourful ornate flat arches. Well worth another visit in the Barry and District Newspaper.
Thanks for taking the time to join us in the Barry and District this week.
