SARACENS HEAD – MOLLY O’ GRADY’S – KNIGHT & GARTER, HOTEL STREET

Granted to Leicester Abbey, by William de Langley in 1312, the lease held by William Streth.  The sign derived from part of the family coat of arms of the original owners of the site, for which they had won the right to adopt the ‘Saracens Head’ by their action in the Holy wars against the Saracens. (Everards)

Painting of Saracens Head by George Henton late 1890’s
The Leicester Cock-pit was outside the Saracens Head (roughly where City Rooms are) Leicester’s original ‘cockinge’ was in Granby St between Halford & Rutland St, a domed roof specially constructed (Speeds map of 1600) Cock fighting was prohibited by Oliver Cromwell 1654. Never the less a later version of cock-pit was erected at Saracens Head. this ad from LJ Feb 1774 ‘Annual Cocking will be fought at the Saracens Head Leicester , A main of Cocks between the gentlemen of the town and gentlemen of the county.’ Even men of rank and fashion would join in this cruel sport. Cockfighting was banned by law 1835, but that hasn’t stopped it as present day newspapers can testify.
Cock fight from an engraving by Cruikshank

In 1797, George Davenport Leicester’s notorious Highwayman was finally arrested in the Saracens Head, when under arrest for poaching fish under the alias of George Freer. Whilst handcuffed to a peace officer, on his journey to jail, the two men called in the Saracens Head, where George’s true identity was revealed by an ex drinking companion. The officer could hardly believe his luck: here ready handcuffed, the most wanted man in the county. Eventually George was hanged for his crimes at Red Hill in Leicester.

George Davenport was hung at Red Hill Leicester (Drawing by Fuzz Pendell
Saracens Head, circa 1895 with Country Rooms in background.

Late 18th or early 19th cent 1/2 pint Pewter tankard for Saracens Head.

The old Saracens was demolished for the widening of Market Place South and new building erected in 1901.  but incorporating what had been the site of ‘Stilton House’ roughly where the entrance of the Hotel St Saracens Head. is. J W Wales China shop eventually became front entrance to the Market Tavern, ex-Page’s Wine Lodge, referenced in Market Square. Phil Johnson further writes; that there is some evidence to suggest that the fireplace in the front bar had been retained from the old building, the position of the chimney before and after the road widening goes some way to supporting this. (Phil Johnson)

Original Brass sign from the rebuild.

Taken from Leicester Libraries community History Newsletter.
Jitty entrance to Saracens Head, notice Yates Wine Lodge, also Saracens copying Yates sign, hoping perhaps to gain trade from those looking for the wine lodge.
The new Saracens Head built circa 1901.
Self explanatory post card passing Saracens Head (Leies Past & Present)
One of the many rooms, circa 1950s, in the Saracens Head, with ornate half panelled wall screens, barrels for tables and seating.
photo credit Everards
Unusual pre war angle from Grey Friars

December 1995, saw a major refurbishment and name change. The centuries old Saracens Head now became Molly O Grady’s, a 1990s phenomenon that swept the country by theming pubs with an Irish flavour. Molly’s was to last longer than most.

From the Leicester Mercury: Kevin and Maggie were well known in Leicester both to the Irish and pub goers alike. 

Major refit at Mollys, opened as Knight & Garter in August 2017.

Inside bar and patio overlooking Market (Green Dragon Square.)

Leave a Reply