Foresters Arms Inn – Carlton-in-Coverdale

Foresters Arms west side

Contents

1 Site Details:
2 Historical Background
- 2.1 Landlord Legacy
3 Site Visit Notes:
4 The Ancient Order of Foresters
5 Other Notes:
6 Site Gallery

Site Details:

Originally known as the "Hare and Hounds", and then as "The Board", The Foresters Arms Inn in Carlton-in-Coverdale has a long history that reflects the local culture and community.

Historical Background

The building that houses the Foresters Arms is believed to have elements dating back to the late 17th century. Originally, it was likely a single-roomed farmhouse. Its location on the route from Lancaster to Middleham contributed to its early significance as a stopping point for travellers. Although there are some signs of interesting and possibly older masonry, it's proximity to the motte/mound at the rear would indicate it to be largely a more recent addition to the village. The pub's licence was granted in 1841, marking its official recognition as a public house.

It was initially associated with the Foresters in Coverdale, which was formed in 1816. This society was part of the Ancient Order of Foresters, a fraternal organization that provided mutual aid and support.

The Foresters Arms has served as a vital community hub, offering a cosy atmosphere with oak beams and traditional British food. Sunday lunch is recommended, and although the pub itself does not have access to Carlton Castle, or Round Hill Motte, to its rear, a footpath winds that way just a short distance to the east.

Landlord Legacy

Notable figures in its history include William Walls, who succeeded his father as landlord. The Walls family has been associated with the pub for generations, contributing to its legacy.

Site Visit Notes:

The Ancient Order of Foresters

The Ancient Order of Foresters (AOF), now know as the Forester's Friendly Society is of the oldest friendly societies in the UK, with its roots tracing back to the 18th century. Here’s an overview of the organization, particularly around the time of its split with the Coverham society, and what transpired afterward:

Origins and Structure

The AOF was established in 1834, evolving from earlier societies, including the Royal Foresters, which had been formed in the 18th century. It was created to provide mutual aid and support among its members, focusing on social welfare and financial assistance.

Membership

At its peak, the AOF had a significant membership base, with thousands of members across various courts (local branches).

The Split

The split in the Ancient Order of Foresters occurred in the late 19th century, primarily due to internal disagreements regarding governance, the admission of women, and the direction of the society.

This division led to the formation of two distinct groups: Ancient Order of Foresters Friendly Society, This group continued to operate under the original principles of mutual aid and community support.

Aftermath and Current Status

Ancient Order of Foresters Friendly Society, repackaged as the Foresters Friendly Society, has lost most of its community support functions, and largely functions as a mutually beneficial insurance society.

The Foresters in Coverdale are a local "friendly society", originally intended a means of providing insurance for ordinary working people. In Coverdale, the Foresters can trace their roots back to the Ancient Order of Foresters (AOF) in the 1830s. (The AOF itself goes back to the Royal Foresters Societies started in the 1720s.) Coverdale actually left the AOF in the early 1890s, before the AOF admitted women in 1898, and the membership in Coverdale is still all male. Every two years they March through the Dale, originally going via the public houses at Melmerby and West Scrafton. Today, the March is shorter. Members of the Foresters still wear the traditional green coats, peaked hats and black belts in the procession. The remainder wear green sashes, and all carry staves.

Cultural Impact

Both groups have played a vital role in the social fabric of their communities, promoting values of friendship, support, and mutual aid. They have contributed to local charities and community projects, reflecting their commitment to social responsibility.

Other Notes:

Historic England entry, taken 15/03/2025

Location

Statutory Address: FORESTERS ARMS INN, VILLAGE STREET

The building or site itself may lie within the boundary of more than one authority.

District: North Yorkshire (Unitary Authority) Parish: Carlton Town National Park: YORKSHIRE DALES National Grid Reference: SE 06747 84660

Details

CARLTON TOWN VILLAGE STREET SE 0684-0784 (south side) 16/93 Foresters Arms Inn 13.2.67 - II

Inn. C17 with early C18 alterations and C19 addition. Coursed rubble, stone slate roof. 2 storeys with rear outshut, 2:2 bays, with added cross-range on right. Originally a hearth-passage plan. From left: ground-floor blocked chamfered fire window; board door in chamfered quoined surround; 1 bay of C20 casement windows, in C18 ashlar architraves, formerly 3-light flat-faced mullion; quoins at right end of original building; board door with C20 casement window above; C20 casement window in wide quoined doorway with deep slab lintel, probably formerly arched; gabled cross-range with board door and 4-pane sash window on ground floor, two 4-pane sash windows on first floor. Stacks over fire window, quoins, and on gable apex of cross-range. Rear: single-light landing window with original lead cames. Interior: in ground-floor room to right of door, C18 fireplace with cyma reversa corbels supporting segmental-arched lintel scored to appear joggled and stop-chamfered beams; very crude branches forming beams in outshut; stone staircase at far end of hearth-passage. Named from the Coverdale Forestxers' Friendly Society, formed in 1816 as the Banks of Cover branch of the Ancient Order of Foresters, although the branch later broke away.

Listing NGR: SE0674784660