The central, twin-gabled, portion of The Cross Guns is the oldest part of the building, though its exact age is not known. The Deeds, dated 1712, state that it was built 100 years earlier, as an inn, but the fireplace has been dated by several people at 1550. It was probably used by quarrymen, mill-workers and people using the ford across the river. Beer was brewed on the premises, and brewing “holes” have been found in the stable floor. Earth and stones from the canal bed were piled against the back of the Cross Guns during the construction of the canal, which necessitated the brick-ing up of all ground floor windows at the back of the pub.
During the lifetime of the canal the bargees frequented the pub, often staying overnight, stabling their horses in the stable adjoining the pub and in the stables behind the railway halt. which have recently been converted into a house. A landlord in Bradford found old records stating that a landlord of the Barge Inn took “ladies of the town” to the Cross Guns for the bargees general amusement on Saturday nights. But the bargees did not rely entirely on the ladies for amusement they bet each other to climb up the inside of the chimney when the fire was lit. Having reached the top they were prevented from returning down by their fellows who had stoked the fire!
One former landlord of the Cross Guns also owned one of the mills and wages of mill-workers were partially paid in his own tokens, which had to be spent in the pub. In 1981, the landlord still had one of these tokens which, it is believed, dates from approximately 1805, when coins were in short supply. Millworkers Token Ale is still being sold in the Cross Guns in the year 2000.
On 31 December 1999, the local residents of Avoncliff and the surrounding area gathered in the Cross Guns to celebrate the new millennium. The festivities were organised by a small committee of residents and included the Pantomime ‘Cinderella’, produced and acted by residents, and a fireworks display launched from the tow-path on the north-western edge of the aqueduct.
One former landlord of the Cross Guns also owned one of the mills and wages of mill-workers were partially paid in his own tokens, which had to be spent in the pub. In 1981, the landlord still had one of these tokens which, it is believed, dates from approximately 1805, when coins were in short supply. Millworkers Token Ale is still being sold in the Cross Guns in the year 2000.