The Alma Inn, Cottonstones: Histories on Your Local Pubs

There’s more to our local pub history than what goes on within our own four walls at The Old Bridge Inn. Head up to Cottonstones, near Mill Bank, and you’ll find The Alma Inn, another of our countryside pubs with a story worth sharing.

Sitting at Four Lane Ends, with views across the Ryburn Valley, The Alma has been welcoming people for well over 150 years. Grandma Betty loved going up there and making herself known by the locals after a few halves! As for exactly when it first opened its doors, there’s a little uncertainty. The stone carving of the word 'ALMA' in its chimney stack suggests it probably dates from the Crimean War of 1854–1856, with its name offering a clue to its origins. It’s a likely connection rather than a confirmed opening date, but an interesting bit of history behind a familiar local name. What I particularly like about an old pub is seeing what’s survived as it’s grown and changed. Despite the addition of a restaurant, function room and guest accommodation and stunning terraces and outdoor bars with panoramic views, The Alma’s original pub remains intact, with flagstone floors and a real open fire. You can imagine the conversations those rooms have heard over the years. Different faces, different stories but probably the same familiar suggestion: “Go on then, just the one more.”

The setting is part of its appeal, too. Neighbouring Mill Bank has a history of packhorse trails and ancient highways, and the surrounding footpaths and bridleways make this a lovely area to explore. The Alma is a base for discovering the countryside around the Calderdale Way. A walk with a pub somewhere along the way always sounds like a reet grand idea to me. Drinkers are welcome, and so are dogs, which is good news if your walking companion has four furry legs and no intention of waiting outside.

The Alma was bought by Samuel Webster Brewery for £800 on the 20th May 1931 and Thomas Marshall was the licensee in 1933, taking over from William Andrews. At the handover the inventory included spittoons and sawdust for the floors and the cellar contained vast amounts of 5d Ale!! When Mr Drake and his Aunt lived there 1932-1933 he recalled the primitive toilets outside and there being no electricity, gas, water ror drainage... the pub was lit with paraffin lights. Things changed immensely from 31st March 1971 when it was sold to Mr James White with the addtion of all amenities and hand pumps on the bar.

Back int day Soyland used to have its own district council and in 2012 The Alma hosted the inauguration of Nigel Sladdin and Jenny Bradley as Mayor and Mayoress the aim was to raise monies for local charities.

For me, that’s why places like The Alma deserve a mention in a blog about our historic local pubs. It’s not just about how old a building is. It’s about keeping it somewhere people can still meet, have a chat and enjoy being together. So next time you’re exploring Cottonstones and Mill Bank, make time to call in. These old pubs are part of our local historic story, and the best way to keep that story going is to keep using us all xx