Situated on the corner of Bedford and Milton St, listed as the Old Barkby Arms in the 1849 directory, recorded as the Eight Bells, when Joseph Cox was granted a licence in 1854.
That year three men, Joe Clarke, James Clough and Thomas Mills (alias Smutty Wheat), broke into a grocers in the Market place and stole some provisions. The three went to the Eight Bells to share out their ‘gains’ when who should apprehend them but Sgt ‘Tanky’ Smith. The three were remanded to the courts where Tanky was highly commended for his apprehension of the prisoners within half an hour of the robbery.
Tanky Smith, Leicester policeman later became a famous private detective. Some say Sherlock Holmes was based on him, as he would travel long distances including London to apprehend a criminal). One of his many disguises can be seen in plaster relief on the building ‘Top Hat’ terrace in London Rd.
1857, Bradley Hughes and his wife Elizabeth took over from Joe Cox. Bradley died in 1865 leaving his wife as licensee, until c.1881 when William H. Smart became victualler, although some reports have James Wakely as holding the license for a period.
William Smart hadn’t been in attendance long before he realized money was missing from the till. He called in Detective Crisp who marked some sovereigns and other coins, placed them in the till and watched. Not before long, when Smart went out the room two men vaulted over the counter and took money from the till. Crisp apprehended them with the marked money in their possession.
Amongst other licensees were Thomas Carr in 1883. In 1887 Carr advertised for “Wanted strong girl aged about 16 one from the country preferred apply Mr Carr, Eight Bells.”
c.1891 Henry Lee with his wife Elizabeth.
In November 1895 Elizabeth Lee, who was by then landlady, was witness when Alice Bradbury came in the Eight Bells with one Lewis Wilson who she had met in a fish and chip shop. Alice admired the diamond ring on Wilson and persuaded him to let her hold it. Lewis Wilson ordered some more port, putting the money on the counter… yes you’ve guessed it – money, ring and Alice soon disappeared. Sgt Bishop was called and Alice was traced to her lodgings at 12 Wharf St, where the ring was found hidden under the carpet.
For this theft, Alice Bradbury was given fourteen days hard labour. The chairman of the magistrates suggested to Lewis Wilson that he be more careful of his selection of ‘lady’ companion in future. The Eight Bells, was eventually owned by George Harrison, until sold to Beeston Brewery, then becoming Shipstones. It was altered in 1945 and did not close until 1962. (awaiting photo)