I was interested to read about the work of Jane Penfold and her research into the pubs of the Bridgwater area. My third Great Grandfather George Habberfield ran the Barclay Arms in Bridgwater. Born in 1827 in Bridgwater, George worked as a shoemaker, marrying Kezia Gliddon in 1848 in Trinity Church, Bridgwater. They went to live in St Mary Street.

Kezia died just nine years later, and George moved to Theatre Place, Bridgwater (not sure of this location) and was now a cordwainer – at the top of his shoe making profession. Two years after losing Kezia, George married Sarah Ann Bining in the Weslyan Reform Chapel, Bridgwater. I believe this is the building, now converted into flats, just up from the library on the edge of Dampiet Street and King Street.

The couple went to live in Barclay Street and in 1871 George was working as a shopkeeper and innkeeper in the Barclay Arms. Selling ale and groceries was very common at that time. George stayed at the Barclay Arms I believe, until his death in 1893. He is buried in Bristol Road Cemetery.

Jackie Sealey, Wembdon