Shoulder of Mutton Inn, Brough, Westmorland

[SteveD]

I am researching my family history and have come across a James Atkinson who, in 1881, was Innkeeper at the Shoulder of Mutton Inn in Brough, Westmorland.

Does anyone know if the Shoulder of Mutton still exists (perhaps with another name - I have Googled for it but without success)?

[SteveD]

Thanks for this, In A Pickle.  I had, in fact, already found this Shoulder of Lamb in Richmond but I don't think that it is the right one, because the 1881 census clearly indicates "Main St, Brough".  However, I'll try contacting them as you suggest.

There is also a "Malt Shovel" inn on Main Street, Brough as well as a place called "Low Hall".  I'll have a search for those.

[SteveD]

In the 1881 census, two inns are shown on Main Street, Brough - The Malt Shovel and The Shoulder of Mutton.

I'm now wondering if The Shoulder of Mutton became The Golden Fleece:

http://www.tuckedup.com/stayat/1310/The_Golden_Fleece.php

I have sent an e-mail to The Golden Fleece.

Are you from the Brough area?

[SteveD]

I've heard back from The Golden Fleece.  Apparently, there used to be 17 inns in Brough!  They are trying to find out more.

[SteveD]

The story so far from "The Golden Fleece"....:

Brough-or Market Brough, or its proper name of Brough-under-Stainmore, was a staging post for horses when they had to get over the Pennines from the west coast of Cumbria. There were 17 inns in Brough. Horses would be kept in Brough to be changed for the ordeal of going over Stainmoor, or for the feat of crossing from the North East of England to here and subsequently to the west coast of Cumbria. In the 1870s there was a proposal to build a railway over to Darlington via Brough, but local landowners objected and it went via Kirkby Stephen instead. That was the death knell for Brough and of its 17 Inns most closed. In the 1960s the A66 by passed Brough and Brough became a sleepy village. The last pub to shut was the George, which closed 1 year ago. The Fleece and the Castle Hotel are all that remains of a once thriving community. Holiday homes and second homes threaten us both.
 
The Malt Shovel is now a private house-still called the Malt Shovel.I have spoken to the oldest resident in Brough (Eric 88) and he does not remember the Shoulder of Mutton.Two of the landlords you mention are called Dent, a common name here and I am persuing that line of investigation!!!!Other common local names are Atkinson, Dobson, Alison and a most unusual name Dargue, all of which you mention. The Bridge Inn is also a private house.