An Old Volunteer was recorded 1839-40s as being ran by Mr. Thomas Monks. Many meetings were held here by the Operative Conservative Society throughout 1839-40, on a monthly basis although, During the 1841 Election Monk supported and was promised payment by Walmsley & Gardiner for his and others vote, the full payment was not forthcoming leaving an aggrieved Monk £13 out of pocket.
Thomas Monk was a member of the Ancient Druids, he was to quit as landlord of the Old Volunteer later in the 1840’s to take on a butchers shop in Albion St, very little else is known.