Sutherland Arms - Dresden

One of the first beerhouses to open was the Sutherland Arms in Carlisle Street which was in existence by 1860.
It was advertised for sale in the Staffordshire Advertiser on 24 October 1868 and the description of the premises illustrates the key role played by beerhouses and public houses in the social life of the community.

VALUABLE FREEHOLD PROPERTY AT DRESDEN

To be SOLD, al that new and first-class PREMISES, known as the Sutherland Arms, situate in Carlisle street, DRESDEN, Longton, now in the occupation of Mr Warrillow, containing bar, bar-parlour, tap-room, smoke-room, two excellent cellars, well stillaged; four large bedrooms, two of which may be opened together by means of folding doors, so as to make a good club or show room. And also a splendid CONCERT ROOM attached, measuring 30 feet by 32 feet, lofty, ornamental, and well lighted, to which there are two means of access — one from the outside, and the other from the interior of the house. There is a large brewhouse, a two-stalled stable, two closets, ash pits, piggery, skittle alley, and commodious yards, approached by double doors from Villier-street. This property has been erected with a view to permanency and stability, regardless of cost; it is well situated, well tenanted, and will be found in all respects worthy of the attention of capitalists.

To treat apply to Mr E PALMER, 11 Commerce-street, Longton.

Despite its many facilities and the attraction of the vocalist and pianist this beerhouse struggled to attract a large clientele possibly because despite several attempts the owner could not secure a full license for the premises. Two years later the Sutherland Arms had closed and had been taken over as, of all things, a Temperance Hall! - the 1881 census records this fact.

1881 Census
Building: 21 Carlisle St (Lock Up) (Temperance Hall) UNINHABITED
Census Place: Trentham, Stafford, England

The location of the Sutherland Arms (and Temperance Hall) is shown as number 21 on the 1878 OS map of Carlise Street

1871 Census
Dwelling: Sutherland Arms, Carlise Street
Census Place: Trentham, Stafford, England

Name	Marr \| Age		Birthplace	Occupation
Harry Downs	Married 38	Head	Staffs, Newcastle	Beerseller
Sirena Downs	Married 32	Wife	Staffs, Longton
Harriett J Myatt	Single 15	Niece	Staffs, Caverswall	Barmaid
Sarah Walton	Single 20	Boarder	Warwickshire, Birmingham	Vocalist
Charles Moseley	Widower 30	Boarder	Lancs, Manchester	Pianist