The Village Stores, formerly the George Inn

The George Stores, situated in the High Street opposite George Street, was formerly The George Inn. The 17th century building has a large arched gateway suggesting that the inn provided sustenance for wagons and possibly the occasional coach passing through Bisley as well as satisfying the thirst of the locals. It is probable that in the past the George Inn was the principal Inn in Bisley. In 1900 the Inn had six bedrooms. a tap room and bar, a kitchen, wash house and cellar. In the yard at the back of the building was a stone and tiled lean-to housing the only skittle alley in the district.  There was stabling for four horses with a loft over and a shed housing a trap used for delivering beer. The building to the left of the George Stores was originally the stabling but is now a private residence.

A notable incident occurred on 22nd July 1763 when a highwayman was arrested at Chalford when attempting to have his horse shoed. He was taken to Bisley and secured by the local constable at the George Inn. At supper he was identified by a man he had robbed earlier that day. I might as well die now he said and tried to cut his own throat. He survived his attempted suicide but was subsequently tried at the Gloucester Assizes, sentenced to death and publicly hanged on the gallows at Over on 17th August 1763.

In 1969 the George Inn was closed, and the building converted to the village stores. Following closure of the old village post office, a post office was established in the stores. The interior of the building retains some constructional features of the old inn and a very attractive tearoom rewards visitors to the village.

WPbisle

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