In 1844 publican James Williams was holding quarterly sales of stock at the George & Dragon in the extensive sale yards he had erected for the purpose (18)

'Joseph Croft  respectfully informs the inhabitants of Clarence Town, Dungog, and the surrounding district, that he has taken the house known as the 'George and Dragon Inn' Clarencetown which has been stocked with the best of spirits wines ales porter etc and trusts by attention to those who may favour him with a call to obtain a share of the public patronage. Good stabling and prices reasonable'  (5)

Joseph Croft was an ex-convict. He had been tried in Hertford in 1834 and sentenced to 14 years transportation for house robbery. He arrived in Australia on the convict ship Lady Nugent on 9th April 1835 and was assigned to James King at Raymond Terrace. He married Martha Madeline Francis in 1845. In April 1851 he announced he was leaving the district after three years in business.(19) He then took over the license of the Commercial Inn in Newcastle (20)

Samuel Walters advertised the George & Dragon  for sale in March 1854 and described it as a brick building with eight rooms, a front verandah, all well finished and in excellent condition. There was a detached kitchen and five stall stable with store room above.