Known as the Bull in 1747, John Halford, victualler. Earlier mentions of a Bull exist in 1590, without any address given.
By 1792 it was known as the Black Bull, auctions were held here Joseph Bolton licensee, and a year later recognised as a rendezvous of officers recruiting for the Royal Navy.
1 December 1838, the pub advertised hay and grass for cattle, good stabling, and a lock up for gig horses.
Wiiliam Whitmore landlord, died at the pub in 1838. He had been victualler for the approximately thirty years.
After Williamm Whitmore died the Black Bull was advertised as on a principal thoroughfare from Birmingham, and a direct road to the Leicester to Swanington Railway Station and Wharf.
c.1840, Thomas Harris
1841, William Murdin. On 7 August 1841, twenty stocking frames were auctioned here. Auctions of many kinds were to be held over the years.
1845, Mr Thomas Galloway
1848, Sarah Gandy
1854, William Neal.
In June 1854, George Jarvis, who had been drinking with a friend in the Black Bull was charged with the crime of self destruction. His friend left him to go and buy some apples and when he returned he found Jarvis in a perturbed mood threatening to end it all. Standing over a five feet deep liquid manure cesspit, Jarvis threw himself in head first only to be pulled out by his ankles. The police were called as he threatened to do it again, and he was taken away, and then remanded to afford him time to reflect on his actions.
In 1855, James Morgan, who was leaving to take up a post with Lord Cardigan in June 1855, held a farewell dinner for his friends. The celebration went beyond went over the allotted hours, and a eagle eyed police constable therefore entered the Black Bull and charged James with drinking after hours. The court thought this heavy handed and in the circumstances dismissed the case.
1855, William Christian. Within a couple of weeks Christian was caught and charged with trespass near Melton. He gave up the licence the following January.
1856, Thomas Priestman, who died within a year.
1857, three successive licensees: Thomas Freestone, Phillip Bennett and Anne Cleaver
1862, John Gask, (Annes husband?)
1863, Joseph Cragg.
1865, Joseph Bland then William Derby.
1866, George Brown, who lasted less than six months, leaving with a dispute over payment to the owners’ brewers, Carver and Bates. He was succeeded by Thomas Cooke.
1872, Mr Linch.
1873, Sarah Clifford.
1874, Joseph Glover.
1876, Francis Hill.
1878, James Kirby.
1879, Susannah Coulson.
1883, William Foreman.
1884, Thomas Griffin.
1892, William Garner.
Within the next ten years the Black Bull was to close, the licence transferred to the newly built Balmoral on Belgrave Rd.
Some directories record the Black Bull on Coventry St including 1818 Piggotts landlord Wm Whitmore, so that indicates its the same Black Bull as in Applegate. (thanks to Chris Pyrah in helping to position them as one and the same)