Stood on the corner of Highcross St and Peacock Lane,
A Peacock is recorded in 1493 (Records of the Borough of Leicester Mary Bateson) although the address given is nearby Redcross St.
Again in 1580 George Lapworth lists a Peacock in Swinesmarket (High St)
An article in the LC records in 1692 water to be supplied from the Soar in lead pipes from Castle Mill to the Peacock in Southgate St (presumably Highcross St)
1726 The Recognizance orders lists the Peacock Peacock Lane
1790 Mr Henry Mansfield is victular of the Peacock Highcross St, so we can see that the old inn is sometime listed in Peacock Lane sometimes Highcross St , both one and the same.
1818 Wm Smith is victular now listed as the OLD PEACOCK, poss not to be contused with the Peacock in Southgate St, coincidentally run by Ann Smith, both pubs are listed 1822. (unless a directory listing error, which is quite possible)
Thomas Sharp is victular 1835-1840 and J V Fletcher 1844. we have a record of Wm Simmons who was staying at the Old Peacock charged with stealing a watch belonging to Mr Fletcher. by 1850 Henry Watts is here, sometime address given as 1 Highcross St. A reference in July 1844, in the LJ, that Nottingham Oddfellows took tea at the Old Peacock Highcross Street.
Property sales were held here, so it must have held some age and importance in the town. Major auctions were held at the Old Peacock in 1854, 1858 and 1864. including in 1867 the auction of the Mr Beddells Old Original Tripe House 24 Lower Redcross St. the tripe house was in the yard with passage to the Street. Henry Watts is still victular of the Old Peacock during 1860’s
By 1870 a road widening of Peacock Lane was under way which meant the Old Peacock was to be demolished together with other houses in Highcroos St, July 1871 the Old Peacock demolition took place. the LJ reported that this part of Peacock lane widened by 25 ft showing considerable addition to the width of the street with the Old Peacock Inn cleared away.
