Photo above: The Alderman prior to demolition, circa 1973. Note the famous Fox’s Glacier Mint factory in background on Oxford Street, now sadly also gone.
Stood on the corner with South East Pentonville. Circa 1860, closed in 1973.
Built In the early 1860s, (poss by Wm Dudgeon who was a local builder) and ran by Benjamin then Edwin Veasey and his wife Emma, until Edward died in1882. Emma took on the licence for a few months until she handed over to Joseph Chell, who also would own the property
Edward Veasey was fined in 1870 for opening illegal hour. He also brewed his own beer. In September 1872, his license was objected to on the grounds that he ran a marine store from the pub in one of the rooms. The objection was turned down as long as Veasey kept a lawful house.
In 1876 Veasey ceased brewing, putting his brew kit up for auction, including a 120 gallon copper tank, barrels etc.
A poignant inquest was held at the Alderman in June 1889, on 12-week-old Winifred Love, who lived in nearby Bonners Lane. She had slept in her parents bed, but was found dead in the morning, the medical officer attributed the death to suffocation as she had been accidentally ‘overlain.’
1897 a young man Albert Richardson aged 19 was convicted of stealing the till money from Joseph Chell, Richardson was given 6 months in prison this having been his more than 20 convictions for larceny since the age of eight.
Purchased by LBM from John Pollard & Joseph Chell, on the 1st of May 1913. Joseph Chell died 1917 his wife Sarah continued to run the pub.
Gordon Holyoake would be licensee after Sarah Chell, prior to Jesse Thompson c1934.
Some time locally known as the Glass Piano, due to the glass fronted piano owned by the Thompson family who kept the pub in the from c1934 through to the early 1950s. Jesse Thompson licensee 1934.
1937 Jesse’s son Leslie assaulted by four men, Leslie was later to take on the Alderman c1947
Two behind the bar scenes from the early 1960s. Note the old lady in background awaiting service in the snug and an unfamiliar tea urn behind the bar on right. (photo’s Tony Booker)
From LBM passed on to Ansells c1952
Licensees are numerous, a comprehensive list by Joseph Reagan includes From the Thompson’s c1953 John Farrar, 1954 Roy Lane, 1955 William Hurst. 1956 Albert Lucas. 1957 Frederick Kelsall. 1958 Maurice Jones, 1962 Lance King, 1963 Edward Taylor, 1964 Fredrick Hemns The last licensees were Bill & Mary West c1971-73.
I think Jack thompson went onto keep the Shoulder of Mutton and took the Glass piano with him ..later to keep the Richard 111 in Hichcross st.
Quite right Peter, The Thompson’s kept all three, handing over the Richard 111 to son Roger who in turn kept it for years, thanks for your comment and interest
My uncle Eric (Nobby) ran the Falcon for a time and Grandad Shad ran the Alderman with his sister Ethel & her husband, who suffered from shell shock during WW2.
Toni, thanks for your comment and interest, if you would like to expand on dates and full family names, we could include if you so wish, quite poignant re Ethels husband with shell shock, quite a few suffered but often went unreported, thanks again
I seem to remember Uncle Nobby (Eric Clarke) also ran Pump & Tap on Braunstone Gate for a few years, and West End Working Men’s Club.
My parents Fred & Edna Kelsall ran the alderman from circa 1954/56. The photograph showing the alderman is not fairfax street
It’s from gosling street. I was eight at the time I’m 77 now, I’ve enjoyed reminiscing.