This seems to be a short lived beer house as it was only mentioned when Joseph Tacey, its landlord, was killed in the most shocking circumstances in 1863.
Joseph Tacey, originally an ostler at the Ram Inn, St Nicolas St in 1861, had recently opened the Garibaldi in High St. He had been fined 5/- or three days in prison for being D&D in High St in March 1861.
In October 1863, Tacey was in the Blue Boar Yard visiting the ostler and Thomas Tacey, the pub’s malster, when he heard a commotion near the grain pit. This was in an underground cistern, also in the yard, where apparently George Gregory, 77, had opened the lid (which was kept tight to eliminate air so keeping the grain dry). Gregory failed to light a candle to test the carbonic acid fumes or at least waited until air had cleared somewhat, before entering the cistern to bucket some grain out. Overcome by fumes, he succumbed to the pungent smell. Gregory was joined by William Freeman, who suffered the same fate.
Joseph Tacey attempted a brave rescue by fetching a ladder and descending into the cistern with a rope tied to the top where others were gathered to help. Tacey tried to hook the rope to the stricken men with the intention of hauling them to the top. This heroic act proved to be unsuccessful and, as the rescue attempt continued, Tacey himself was overcome by the fumes. All three men were eventually declared dead poisoned by the toxic gas.
Tacy’s wife and children, now destitute, were helped by a collection in recognisance of Joseph’s courage and selfless act.
