Photo above: Rose & Crown, circa 1910, typical Victorian splendour.
Not to be confused with the earlier Rose & Crown that became the Dixie Arms, this Rose & Crown was built circa late 1860s.
In 1872, a meeting was held here to formulate a Mutual Benefit Society to fight the small pox epidemic (1870-75) that was sweeping the Western world. It was estimated that the epidemic claimed half a million lives.
Vaccination was frowned upon by many and anti-vac groups were set up in Leicester: isolation was Leicester’s answer at the time.
Oct 1875 The Rose & Crown would alter its front into a GIN PALACE usually meaning a more opulent decor and fittings, after the demise of many gin shops or houses in the 18th cent, often seedy and illegal, the 1830 Beer act gave an opportunity to legalize gin drinking this time in more fashionable surrounds. London led the way, Leicester would have just a few, the Rose & Crown being one.
The whole of Humbertstone road, with its many pubs, was demolished for a new road.
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