Mr Smith landlord of the King William had in July 1831 information given against him by Elias Price an informer (this was not Prices first time) that he was serving after closing time, Price on being examined claimed he didn’t know what an informer was but he was a reformer.
King William IV fronted Church Gate with a passageway running by the side into Blake Street. Later called the Maltsters Arms due to its maltings at the rear, it also brewed its own ale.
King William 1V was up for let Jan 1855 advertised as ‘to be entered upon immediately at the in-going cost of £70’. John Bradshaw was listed as victular shortly after under the name Malsters Arms.
The passageway and yard, which ran by the Maltsters Arms and the malthouse, was used by the owners as a toll, where a charge of 1 penny per week demanded for each adult who wanted to pass through. Children were charged ½ penny to get through the yard on their way to Elbow Lane School, otherwise they would have to go around via Sanvy Gate.
1873, saw the pub auctioned by Warner Sheppard and Wade at the George Hotel in the Haymarket.
John Bradshaw ran the pub at this time as well as the adjoining butchers. He was also listed as the Maltster, a pretty busy chap then.
The Maltsters Arms was closed in December 1922, and compensation was paid.