An old beerhouse, (JR) Has the Board recorded in 1843, run by Frederick Gill and there then followed various licensees until the Elliot family in the 1880s. They are recorded as Sprit Merchants at no 5. By 1920, the Board at no. 5a was run by Frank Green.
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.
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.
