Photo above: This later photo shows the Ostrich, (closed and now Linsky’s furniture stores) on the left. The Pavilion, William Paul’s Concert Hall, can be seen on the other side of Wilton St.
The beerhouse could have had a previous name as the building period predates records of the Ostrich name that seems to stem from the around the 1850s. There are a few names with no address given pre-1850 in Belgrave Gate, so until further research sheds light, take your pick.
The Ostrich stood on the corner of Belgrave Gate and Wilton St. Very few recordings have been found. A Journal report cites a court case on 1 December 1860, when the Ostrich beer house was open before 12-30pm on a Sunday. The result was a 10/- (50p) fine for the landlord.
In 1856 ‘Billy’ Goddard – well known in Leicester – was scalded whilst helping brewing, when a pail of hot liquor from the copper was spilt on him. The press reported Billy was being cared for in Leicester Infirmary. The name ‘Billy’ Goddard crops up in many newspaper articles, Little is known of him, other than he was very well known in Leicester and described as a very dangerous man, who shouldn’t be at large, being a frightful sight. ‘Billy’ took delight in praying and or swearing, depending on his moods, and he was often at court either for assault and for being assaulted.
He was often used as a figure of fun. For example, at a meeting to argue against the extension of the franchise, it was alleged that if certain workers were to have the vote ‘they might even send ‘Billy’ Goddard to represent them.’ On the occasion that John Biggs was nominated as MP for the area, when asked if there were any other nominees, to much laughter some one shouted ‘Billy’ Goddard. Billy died in the workhouse aged 62 in 1879.
In January and July 1869, John Tierney, landlord of the Ostrich was threatened with imprisonment by magistrates when police found twenty men and women drunk and fighting in the beer house, also for keeping his house open illegal hours.
Later that year the Ostrich’s licence was objected to by the police as being a disorderly house, a resort of prostitutes and men of low character. Fighting and drunkenness often took place in the house. The licence was refused.