An old beerhouse, (JR) Has the Board recorded in 1843, run by Frederick Gill and there then followed by John Clarke 1852 who had his wine & Spirit store next door at no5, Dr Irwin listed as owner, until 1865 Ross and McKergo Co, The Pub was known as Ross & Mckergo Vaults, Alexander Ross listed as landlord
As well as the beer vaults at 5a Ross & Mckergo had Wine & Spirit next door at no 5, they also had a wine and spirit store 3 Granby St.
July 1889 A heavy brewers cart belonging to Ross Mckergo was involved in a serious accident near the cricket ground in Aylestone Rd, a Mr Woodcock shielded by his umbrella against the rain, not seeing the dray cart was knocked down and ran over by the cart, first thoughts that he was dead, a Dr Pope attending the Cricket attended the scene, fortunately Mr Woodcock recovered sufficiently to be lifted into a cab and taken for treatment.
William Weston landlord, c1890, from c 1891 the Elliot family . Harry Elliot, They are recorded as Sprit Merchants at no 5. By 1916, the Board at no. 5a was run by Edwin Green followed by Frank Green. William Morris 1922. 1938 John Sergeant. 1950s Sydney Sergeant. 1956 Frank Faulkner
Leicester Brewing & Malting would now be the owners since c1890.
Where in years gone by The Old Board of Guardians would meet to conduct their business, they met six days a week, not on a Sunday so the pub only had a six day licence, so that’s how the Board received its name, it’s seven day licence was granted 1939 by removing the licence of the Shamrock Orchard St
1922, saw a new building – still standing today – with an ornate art deco front.
December 1944 a break in at the Board £1300 stolen. June 1951 Albert Kent fined £2 for throwing a glass at landlord Sergeant and threatening to hit him with a chair.
The Board closed on the 4th of April in 1956, with the licence transferred to the new Durham Ox in Birstall Street. This wonderful entrance feature was ripped out for a modern shop front shortly after its closure.
Jon Dean writes telling an interesting story regarding his great-grandfathers brother at the Board, its worth copying in its entirety.
