Early 1900s travel in Uley
Transport in Uley during the early 1900s was very limited. We noted the Mothers' Union outing in a charabanc in the archives.
In 1973, the Uley Brownie group undertook a comprehensive survey of various aspects of village life from 1900 onwards. This survey resulted in two fantastic documents being produced full of detailed information gleaned mainly from interviews with residents recalling their memories. People recalled how much tidier and quieter the village was in those days.
The documents were edited by Brownie Guide, Ruth Reeves and we have summarised some highlights here.
Uley's First Car
In around 1910
there was just one car in the village owned by Dr. Campbell, but
there were many horses. Previously Dr. Campbell had a high gig with
one horse and when called out at night, he would light the brass
lamps on the front.
Apart from Dr. Campbell's car, there were very few others around. There were one or two at the garage and an outstanding sports car owned by Lord de Clifford, who often visited Uley.
The Wagonette
Mr
Frank Smith owned a 'Wagonette' which was drawn by two horses, he was
a Carriage
Proprietor, and his
horses & carriage were usually used for local weddings. The
carriage was kept in the large black shed (which is still there)
next to his house on The Street, the shed was later used to house the
buses. The first World War, however, put an end to the Wagonette. The
horses were sold for use in the War; including his favourite horse,
Chestnut.
Uley's First Courier
Later, Mr Long who lived near Fiery Lane had a van carrying service. If you needed anything transported to or from Dursley, you would hang a white flag from your window. He would take parcels and 6-8 passengers who would sit on the wooden seats inside his van.
Uley's First Bus
Mr Paul Smith, landlord of the Top Crown, bought an old Red Cross Ambulance from the first World War. The ambulance was used as the very first bus in Uley. It had solid tyres and was initially used by the football team.
The
first motor bus began on 1st
July 1926 – it ran from Stroud to Dursley via Nailsworth, Horsley and Nympsfield. The maximum speed limit was 12 mph.
Soon after, other companies began to compete. The 'White Lion' bus ran to Wotton-under-Edge every half hour. There was also a green bus run by Western National Omnibus Company.
The Misadventures of Mr Murray Browne
People would recount the endless amusement caused by Mr Murray Browne of Went House who would stand his horse by the mounting block on The Green and by the time he had reached the top step, the horse had walked away! This was a frequent occurrence.
Margaret
Groom, Uley Society Village Archivist