Introduction
Although refaced and extended the Wilson Arms is a very old oak framed building built in the early 1600s.It was originally called The Rising Sun but was renamed in 1839 after William Henry Bowen Jordan Wilson, the ‘local squire’ of Knowle Hall, whose arms are over the door. In 1920 the outbuildings housed the first garage in Knowle, and the first cinema was in the assembly room.
Early days
The Wilson Arms is thought to date from around 1604. It was a timbered framed building, though in the Georgian period the timber front of the building was replaced with brick. The inn was originally called The Rising Sun but it was renamed in 1839 after William Henry Bowen Jordan Wilson, the ‘local squire’ of Knowle, whose arms are over the door.
A former landlady Mrs Court recalled that the inn had many outbuildings stretching well down Hampton Lane (now Hampton Road). They included pig styes, loose boxes, cow pens, large barns, gardens, a summer house and a bowling green. With the arrival of motor transport in the early 20th century some outbuildings were converted into the first garage in Knowle. Knowle Motor Co. Telephone number K.70
Like other inns in the village, the Wilson Arms hosted many events and activities. In 1912 Harry Tansley added the assembly hall to the rear of the inn. This held 300 people and at that time was the largest public room in Knowle. After World War I it became very popular, and many organisations used it, including the Knowle branch of the British Legion and the Knowle Women’s Institute held their very first meeting there. In 1920 the hall showed moving pictures on Thursday, Friday and Saturday afternoons and evenings, with a pianist accompanying the films. In 1914 the local Remount Department, charged with collecting horses for army use and dispatching them on to combat areas, made its headquarters at the Wilson Arms.
Renovations and Extensions
Today’s exterior is still very recognizable to that shown in early photographs, but the interior has been extensively renovated over the years. In 1990 a large extension was added to link the main building to former outbuildings.
The original coat of arms over the front door was carved by Mr. Court, the landlord in the 20s and 30s. But the sign disappeared in the 1990s refurbishment, but fortunately the brewery replaced it. The coat of arms shows the Wilson Family motto: fortiter et fideliter– boldly and faithfully.
21st Century
The Wilson Arms continues to be a popular pub, known for its carvery.
Distinguishing Features
- Look over the door to see the arms of William Henry Bowen Jordan Wilson, the ‘local squire’ who lived in Knowle Hall
- Looking to the left of the building, you can see the outline of the outbuildings, including Knowle garage
Timeline
- 1604: The Rising Sun was built as an oak framed building
- 1839: Renamed The Wilson Arms
- 1912: Harry Tansley added the assembly room to the rear of the inn
- 1914: The local Remount Department, charged with collecting horses for army use and dispatching them on to combat areas, made its headquarters at the Wilson Arms
- 1920: Outbuildings converted to the first garage in Knowle, and the first cinema was held in the assembly room
- 1990: A large extension was added to link the main building to former outbuildings
Image Gallery
You will be able to see more images of Knowle in the Local History Centre located upstairs in Knowle Library.
Explore the Trail
There are twelve buildings to explore on this trail.
The small print
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented on this heritage trail, details may be subject to change or interpretation. To the best of our knowledge, all content is correct at the time of publication. We accept no responsibility for any errors, omissions, or changes that may have occurred since.