Built circa 1815 and originally known as the Holly Bush. By 1822, it was the Duke of Cumberland. Later signs on the pub show the Duke of Cumberland as Queen Victoria’s uncle, which would fit in with the timing.
The pub was bought by L.B.M. brewery on the 27th of August 1898 from Cornelius Gurden. Brewer & Malster at 86 Highcross St, (next door but one to the Admiral Rodney) Cornelius Gurden was a major brewer in the Town from c 1860 to late 1890’s
On 1952, the licensee, Robert Baid, was charged with receiving 58,000 cigarettes from Reg Coombes, knowing that they were stolen from HM War Department.
On the 9th of January that year 1952, Robert Baid was sentenced to twelve months imprisonment for his part in the theft.
The pub was altered in 1927 when it had its mock Tudor façade added. Again in 1954 major alterations took place.
Photo credit Graham Nelson
The Duke of Cumberland closed 1990, standing empty for a couple of years before being demolished in 1993. See photo above, minus its roof, it was to make way for a car park for the nearby factory owned by Richard Roberts.
Here the cellars are being exposed where mainly medieval 2 inch bricks were found.
