BOROUGH ARMS, HUMBERSTONE ROAD/ERSKINE STREET

From the 1860s, Enoch Savage was licensee, being fined for being open after hours in 1870. Two years later, when applying for his licence renewal, objections were raised in court by the police who claimed that Savage was running a watchmakers shop in part of the premises. Enoch replied he was a beerhouse keeper only, but some years previous he had a business as a broker. The only grounds for claiming that he was a watchmaker was the fact he had two clocks in the bar (laughter in court). The Mayor granted the licence replying ‘I hope both clocks point to 11 o’clock at the same time (closing time): ‘renewed laughter.’

In 1873, the Borough Arms was advertised for sale freehold, ‘with the advantage of being opposite North Western Railways new Station.’

The Borough Arms became owned by Ratliffe & Jeffery’s. Phipps bought out Ratliffe & Jeffery’s, circa 1899.

In July 1917, the adjoining house was allowed to be used by the tenant but not as part of the licence premises. 

The picture of the crowd standing outside the Borough Arms was taken 
March 1936, possibly for a VIP visitor arriving at the Station opposite.

Like the nearby London & North Western Vaults, the Borough Arms closed in 1957, 9th of May, and was referred to the compensation board. 

An old Victorian enamel sign from pub gable end.

Photo from Nick Miller collection

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