The Steels

 Publicans of

The Coach and Horses

and

The Railway Tavern

James and Margaret Steel were long-term publicans of the Coach and Horses (situated opposite St Oswald's Churchyard at 14 Church Street, Durham, now the location of Seasons Gallery and Framing). They were certainly in residence in the 1881 Census together with their children William (17), James (16), Mary (13), Thomas (11), John (8), Charlotte (6), Margaret (3), Isabella (just 7 months old). James was born in Aldbrough, East Riding of Yorkshire; Margaret was born in Durham. John went on to run a tobacconist's shop in Hartlepool. Charlotte married Martin Loftus, a Fishmonger, and lived for many years in Sidegate in Durham. She was still there in 1939.

Margaret Steel (62) became the Innkeeper of the Coach and Horses in 1901 following her husband's death. She lived there with her children. William, now a widower aged 37 was a plumber's clerk; his wife, Elleanor/Ellenor, had died in 1892. Mary, aged 33, though not listed with an occupation, it is likely that she worked in the business helping her mother. Thomas, 31, was a gardener. Isabella, the youngest sibling, was just 20. Finally, there was William, named after his father, and just 10.

By 1911, Margaret had relinquished being the licensee of the pub and the family had moved a few doors down the road to 12 Church Street. William (now aged 47) continued to live with his mother and had not remarried. His occupation is described as 'salesman'. His son William Stanley (now aged 20) was a grocer. At the same address were Thomas (41) a gardener, and Mary (42).

Given their parents' life in the pub trade, it would have been no surprise if some of the children had ended up in that business. Mary (1867-1953) certainly did this and she took on The Railway Tavern in Shincliffe. Although the building has now been turned into flats, it is still possible to make out the shape and design of the old pub. It is just beyond what would have been the old railway arch in Shincliffe. Mary was publican of this establishment in 1939 and her brother, Thomas (1870 - 1944), now retired from being a gardener, was in residence with her. Meanwhile, their nephew, William Stanley Steel, enlisted in the army in 1914 and served until December1918, when having reached the rank of sergeant, was discharged due to illness.

SN 3