Meaning
A person who kept an inn, providing food, drink and accommodation to travellers.
Description
Innkeepers managed establishments that provided a full range of services to travellers — stabling for horses, meals, ale and a bed for the night. Inns were important social and commercial hubs, serving as meeting places for local business, venues for inquests and courts and staging posts for coach routes. Running a successful inn required considerable organisational ability and often a substantial investment in stock and premises. Many innkeepers were women, particularly widows who continued the family business after a husband's death.
Also Known As
Victualler, Alehouse Keeper, Tavern Keeper, Licensed Victualler
Commonly Found In
- Census Returns
- Trade Directories
- Parish Registers
- Licensed Victuallers Records
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