1843 directory records the Black Swan at no. 9 Charles Street with an access on Lower Free Lane.
In the early 1850s R. Platts, the landlord, was often charged with illegal opening.
By 1855, it was named the Royal George, Thomas and Lucy Plant were in charge. The reputation of the beernhouse did not improve, however, as an assault case that year shows when William Shilton (of low intellect) was beaten up and scrubbed with sand. The instigators claimed they were celebrating the fall of Sebastopol when things got out of hand. In August 1856, Thomas Plant had his licence refused. The Royal George was put up for auction, yet somehow the Plants survived until March 1869, when the licence was handed over to Richard Guilford.
Guilford had his licence revoked the following year at Brewster Sessions for the Royal George being a house of ill repute and harbouring prostitutes for many years. He appealed against the decision as he had only been there a short time and the offences had taken place before he took over. The Court heard that nearby Yeoman St Square was littered with thieves and prostitutes, and Guilford was forced to admit knowing Rose Brown, who operated a brothel in Yeoman Street Square, also Nell Tapley the same, who both frequented the Royal George with other prostitutes. Guilford claimed they were entitled to refreshments as they went about their trade.
Neighbours corroborated Guilford’s claim that the beer house was much improved since the Plants had left, but William Tapley rather spoiled things when he turned up in the witness box worse for wear for drink.
Richard Guilford lost his appeal, and sold his stock at Auction.
Later in the 1870s, a new licence was granted to Mr. Daft, who advertised in 1876 the premises now to be known as The British Workman.
On the 3rd of January 1880, the Leicester Chronicle reported that ‘the Royal George has become the British Workman, a refreshment house that included excellent oak grained and varnished partitioning and casements forming bar, smoke room on ground floor, countless tables benches and settles and a large club room.’
By 1890, no. 9 Charles Street was a leather manufacturers.