Ivy Bush

20 High Street

W. J. Lewis writes in 'Gateway to Wales' :

'The Ivy Bush was the first inn to be called the House of Lords by the townspeople. This was where the elite of the town's tradesmen and others met to discuss matters grave and gay. In later days, this title was given to John McCord's wine store in St Mary Street.'

1830-34 : John Lloyd landlord

1834 : Wood's Map shows the property as part of the Priory Estate

1836-1844 : Owen Lloyd was landlord

1851 : Anna L. Mathias was publican

1886 : Anna Mathias died

1895 : David Williams landlord

1899 : John Vaughan publican

1901 Census

Thomas W. Thomas, age 44, Carpenter and Innkeeper
Rachel R. Thomas, age 39, wife
Henry Thomas, age 20, son, tea dealer
William Thomas, age 19, coachman
Leslie Thomas, age 5, daughter
I. Mary Daniels, age 17, servant
Lewis Davies, age 65, boarder, Tailor

1905 : Building extended and altered

1905 : John Vaughan landlord

1910 : Thomas Davies occupier

7th April 1911 : licence revoked

From the Cardigan Tivyside Advertiser 10/2/1911 :

'The Old Ivy Bush Inn - with the suppression of the licence of the Ivy Bush Inn, High Street, another link of the past of old Cardigan has been snapped for the introduction of bewer ideas more suitable probable to the present age and generation. In its time the old house was noted as one of the best hostels in the town, and 40 years ago was designated as 'The House of Lords' it being noted as the gathering place of the elite of the tradesmen and others of the town, where many a highly public matter, both grave and gay, have been discussed and voted upon. The majority of these town worthies have passed amay and a very few remain to recall reminiscences of its ancient glory. The passing away of the Ivy Bush calls to mind that it is the fourth licenced house in High Street which has been done away with within the last four decades, each having a history of its own, namely, The Queen's Hotel before, and since being known as Cross House; the Prince of Wales and the Red Cow, upon which and the adjoining house then known as 'Jones the Hatters', now stands Lloyds Bank. The only link which now the High Street of over 40 years ago with the present handsome thoroughfare is the Corner House, and even that is doomed' 

Bibliography

Johnson, Glen K : Cardigan Uncivered, p. 90