Photo above: Map showing where Blue Boar Lane was, (Simons Hospital on corner Blue Boar Lane and Sycamore Street). A Holiday Inn now stands on the corner with Highcross Street. The only recognizable building still standing is the King Richard III.
There are a few references to the Welcome Friend beer house.
Richard Bray kept the Welcome Friend (address given as Pasture Lane), in 1833 as he was convicted of selling beer after 10pm – which was the cut off time for beer house. Not until a few years later in 1836 were they allowed to extend their hours after over ninety beer houses in Leicester petitioned the Magistrates.
In February 1834, an Edward Gent was arrested for theft by foot-padding on a hawker in Leicester At court, Gent claimed he was drinking in the Welcome Friend and spent the night with Ann Stokes. They were both remanded.
The Welcome Friend came up for sale December 1836 The advert in the LC read
To Be Let and entered upon immediately
The Welcome Friend Beer House Blue Boar Lane. Together with outbuildings and adjoining garden. Apply on premises.
Recently discovered that my great grandmother lived at 21 Blue Boar Lane in 1871. Any idea which way the numbers ran?
Brian, it seems as though from Highcross St going down Blue Boar Lane odd numbers were on the left coming from Highcross St according to 1883 map Chyeers
My mother was born at blue boar lane, i have a picture of her outside the window. She always spoke of it as a poor area and awful houses.