Photo above: Shoring up the Gable end of what’s left of the Angel 1970. This is still visible today from the Angel Gateway or Passageway.
The Angel was perhaps the most famous of Leicester’s Inns, dating from at least 1485, (records of the Borough of Leicester) It actually stood in Cheapside, although the address was very often referred to in Gallowtree Gate.
Remnants of the old inn can still be seen through the Angel Gateway or passageway from Gallowtree Gate to Cheapside and the market.
Auctioned off due to bankruptcy on the 26th of August 1854, the majority of the inn was later demolished. Reports tells of the Angel being taken down in October 1854.
The Angel was known for the calibre of visitors to the Inn.
In 1586, Mary Queen of Scots was housed at the Angel as a prisoner on her way from Tutbury to Fotheringhay in Northamptonshire, where she was beheaded the following February.
In 1645, King Charles reputedly slept at the inn after the battle of Naseby and later Oliver Cromwell as well as son Richard (Tumble down Dick) were entertained here by the corporation to ‘wine, biscuits, beer & tobacco.’
Many distinguished guests including various princes including Elizabeth daughter of King James 1st and members of the aristocracy. Prince Rupert held his ‘headquarters’ here The corporation were never slow in celebrating any occasion with a banquet, including William and Mary’s coronation in 1689.
In 1707, the union with Scotland was celebrated and in 1715 the first anniversary of the accession to the throne of King George I.
Remains of the cellars can still be found in the adjacent shops in Cheapside and Gallowtree Gate.
Photographs of the surviving portions of the Angel, taken by Barry Lount in February 2009 during refurbishment. Upstairs behind the gable end was this room with its walled timbers and door.
Photo below is the gable end still showing from the Angel Gateway of Cheapside. Unfortunately most people do not know that this part of medieval Leicester still exists.
The cellars show part of the medieval stone walls. Much of tunnels with around 5 compartments or rooms have later brickwork.
It’s fascinating to learn of the history of the Angel, and that remnants of the building still exist!
The Angel Gateway itself is interesting as it was one of the gateways through the old city walls, which ran along Gallowtree Gate. I wonder how much history is still there wedged in behind the modern buildings on Cheapside and Gallowtree Gate?