A Durham Ox was listed at no. 159 Upper Conduit Street until the 1960s.
Late 1860s is the first record known. Oliver Bird was the victualler. The licence transferred to William Merry in December 1871.
In 1874, Andrew Gamble was charged with damaging windows at the nearby factory, when a crowd had gathered regarding a dispute over joining the union. Gamble had been drinking in the Durham Ox for much of the evening before joining the demonstration, where he threw stones, breaking some factory windows.
The Mayor said the bench viewed that property must be protected in the borough and sentenced Gamble to two months hard labour.
William Rose was the next victualler circa 1883 and William Merry circa 1900. From here there seems to be some discrepancy. JR has the beer house closing circa 1907, and the fact that in 1920 William Watkinson is listed as beer seller only seems to confirm this. Chris Pyrah’s records show it to be still trading until 1960. A member of Alan Hammons contributed this picture, adding that Alan ran the Durham Ox from 1948-61. The 1950s directories confirm this and a full licence was given to the beer house April 1953. Chris Pyrah has a record of a public notice 30/5/1968 which gives A Hammonds address as Durham Ox Upper Conduit St.
More research welcome.