STAG & PHEASANT, 6 HUMBERSTONE GATE

Below c1910 Humberstone Gate scene Stag & Pheasant on near left

Came to prominence in the late 1700s ( Charles Newby victular) as one of Leicester’s premier coaching inns, changing post for horses to London, Manchester, Hull and Bristol. Birmingham coaches ran daily. Royal mail and post coaches for surrounding Leicestershire villages were housed here from circa 1810. Thomas Pettifor was victular. Humberstone Gate acknowledge as the most important st in the town.

Thomas described as a notable character engaged in the coaching business since its balmy days. He made a remarkable appearance when on a fine winter morning he stood at the front of his hotel, clad in old fashioned driving coat, which set off his sturdy figure and fine corporation to great advantage, while his hat might have been the envy of ‘Tony Weller’ himself. With his bronzed complexion and strongly marked features, which wore the astute expression of a man who knew all that was worth knowing about horses and genuine type of profession to which he belonged. ” Tony Weller is from Dickens Pickwick Papers” below drawing by Kyd.

Thomas Pettifor & Eliza Pettifor ( who was described by the newspaper as a capable, clever little lady with a pleasant face, a quiet dignified manner which demanded the respect of all who met her) they were here for many years, they also let horses, carriages, omnibuses and char a bangs for hire, indicating the Stag & Pheasant as a major Inn in Leicester. Many auctions and inquests were held here.  One, in 1843, on the death of a Mrs Harris aged 75 told of a neighbour when calling on her, having received no reply entered her room to find lying in bed, lifeless. VERDICT ‘Died from the visitation of God’

Henry Abraham Thompson 1854 entered the Sag & Pheasant from the Lion & Lamb, having had the licence transferred from Eliza Pettifor.

1867 John Hart would become licencee and owner or lessee of the Stag & Pheasant. 1890 Elizabeth Hart would become licensee 1897 Jane D Hart & Frank Hart would have the licence,

Circa 1900, the Stag & Pheasant underwent major alterations with a new exterior designed by architect W. M. Coldwell of Grey Friars in Leicester. 1900 John Ellis was landlord, the ownership passes from Executors of H P Tyler of Leicester, to Henry George Westgate, then to Frederick Haw, to Bass Ratcliffe & Gretton, (dates not given) H P Tyler was a major company in the town.

1908 Edward Baker would run the Hotel, 1913 Thomas Plattern?, 1913 Frank Liquorish, (although the register names C H P A Liquorish, 1915 Alfred Tyler, 1916 Frank Tyler 1918 Alfred Ballard (deceased) 1918 Harry George Westgate 1919. Frederick Haw, From c1925 the ownership seems to pass to George Whithead & Sons 119 Bishop Gate London Wine & Spirit Merchants, the Hotel is now run through various menbers of the Whitehead family with managers.

It became fashionable for celebrities to stay here, including stars of the Music Hall.  These included Harry Lauder, (the Scottish songster whose well known songs included ‘I Love a Lassie’ and ‘Keep right on to the end of the road’).

Vesta Tilley (the male impersonator), and Gracie Fields. Sporting heroes stayed too, such as Bombardier Billy Wells, the British Heavyweight champion. 

Eventually closed for last orders on the 31st of October 1959 – its restaurant and silver grill, famous for its steaks and champagne, no more.  The building stood empty for a further few years until the whole of this part of Humberstone Gate was ready for redevelopment of the new Haymarket shopping centre.

I’ll leave you to judge on the merits of the scheme, mine are too well known.

Barry Lount