The Peacock on Belgrave Gate, stood where the Great Northern Railway (Great Northern Inn) was to be built. It was sometimes known as the Manners Arms, and in some cases The Manners Arms and Peacock. One lists it as the Mariners Arms, almost certainly a misprint as the pub was named after the Manners family – the family name of the Duke of Rutland, the peacock being part of the family emblem.
Earliest record that can be found is 1815, when Thomas Stevenson was victualler, Edward Bass, c1830, Peter and Catherine Taft followed, but Peter died aged only thirty in 1837. Catherine carried on the licence, until she transferred it to William Hunt.
Elizabeth Hunt, Wm Hunts wife, was violently assaulted by a boatman, Joe Lancaster. So badly was her face lacerated she couldn’t attend court. Undeterred, she carried on the licence when William died in 1851, until her death in 1870, when executor to her will, Henry Wilkinson took over until 1874.
Charles Newton, who advertised ‘Home Brewed Ales’, followed. The Peacock had grounds that held football cricket and fetes. One such fete and gala was advertised on Whit Monday and Tuesday:
Prof J Wells greatest pyrotechnics in tow. Madam Leo fearless lady gymnast.
Captain Knott ,smallest man in the world only 39ins at 25 years old.
Mdm D’Antrello wonderful ceiling walker.
That same year the farmer who owned the adjoining paddock sold up, no doubt knowing the writing was on the wall for the forthcoming railway.
James Foster followed Charles Newton in 1878, to be quickly followed by Charles Coltman. In 1882, a strange case when three men were found asleep in a cart in Peacock Yard. They were arrested and charged with ‘sleeping out.’ One of the men had absconded from the workhouse, but the workhouse declined to press charges if he returned. The other two were discharged on the promise not to sleep out again.
The Great Northern Railway and Inn were shortly to be built on the site.