Built in 1846, on the corner of Craven and Harding Street. Joseph Platt was listed as beerhouse keeper in 1846 in Craven Street, but no beerhouse name.
Wells Kegworth Ales is advertised on the Defiance walls (see photo above).
George Cater licensee 1870s had a licence request to sell wine refused 1877.
Applied for a wine on licence again on the 27th of September 1879.
Stephen Cooper licensee 1881 He applied and was awarded a grant £40 from the Thomas White Charity Fund, Cooper described himself as beerhouse keeper confectioner and baker, he was refused a music and singing licence 1885 but eventually succeeded in a wine licence 1888. He was also secretary of the Beerhouse keepers association. A keen campanologist he would ring bells at both st Margret’s and St Marks. He finally transferred his licence to Sarah Ann Juba July 1888
Sarah Ann Juba a prominent name in Leicester licensees, she was listed as licensee at 60 Junction Rd-1876, 83 Syston St-1877, 63 Syston St-1878, Pointsman Northampton St -1878, Dew Drop Syston St -1883, Wheatsheaf Wheat St- 1886, Sun Inn Great Easton-1888, Defience Craven St-1888, The Wheel Oadby-1893, also Ann Juba and Otho Juba come up as licensees often in Leicestershire.
Samuel Harris licensee 1890’s (deceased) Alice Smith Harris June 1900. David Hudson August 1900. John Thomas Gibson 1904, Frederick Sutton 1905.
Refused its on licence 1906, finally closing as a pub July 13th 1907, Compensation £581 to Wells Brewery and £130 to the tenant.
by 1920 Alfred English recorded as grocer & beer retailer
I grew up in the “Old Defiance” in the 50’s , sure it was haunted.
All adds to its history, thanks Ernest, any family photos of your time?