Photo above: Taken circa 1910 shows a very neat looking Kings Head on the corner of Burleys Way and Saint John Street.
Licensees of the King: 1855 J Swocham? Followed by – Richards John Mason, 1870. Edward Dexter, who also owned it – by now known as the Kings Head.
1876, William Kirby, in 1889 October William Kirby was shot in the face by his son Thomas Kirby in a bedroom at the Kings Head, Thomas a barman at the pub was charged with attempted murder. The case was referred to the Borough Assizes later that year. The evidence could not show why Thomas would harm his father, he had been at a wedding earlier that day and had come home somewhat intoxicated, both father and son were due to brew the following morning, the jury asked to hear from William Kirby’s wife who was there at the time. but surprisingly his Lordship refused as he claimed she was an unreliable witness, he summed up that there was insufficient evidence to find he son guilty of attempted murder so Thomas was acquitted.
1892, Henry Holdsworth. 1897, George Atkinson. 1902, Elizabeth Atkinson. 1904, Samuel Bramley. 1904, John Pinsent. 1920, Harry Cole. 1928, Harry Bamford.
Everards bought the property from Edward Dexter circa 1890s.
Many gatherings were held here. As early as the 6th of March 1841, a meeting of cotton house workers was held here. Odd Fellows meetings as well as inquests were also held at the King.