Photo above: circa 1950s.
Now part of the city but originally a separate village that was later brought within Leicester’s boundary . We know it brewed its own beer as the Bent family Joseph and William are recorded there during the 1840’s-90’s variously recorded as victulars, brewers, malsters, bakers and farmers employing five men.
The main Victorian pubs were the Windmill, Painters and the Old Plough, although there were probably others. The Windmill did survive until the 1980s and so it will be recorded as a city pub.
The Old Plough, left. Taken from a postcard of Old Humberstone. Date of the Old Plough’s closure not certain. Any info on these two pubs would be gratefully received.
The “Humbo” used to have Northern Soul Discos in the early Seventies, where Northfield, Netherhall and Thurnby Lodge kids used to meet”TO STRUT THEIR STUFF.”
A lot of these kids knew each other from Mundella and the Zodiac 67.
The Humberstone is on Main St Old Humberstone village..
Old Plough’s closure was late 1963.
My grandfather Feargus Johnson was the landlord in the ‘30’s to the early ‘50’s. He made many changes to the pub including the “Palm Court”. My grandmother made Elderberry and Parsnip wine and sold it at the “beer off” where people would bring an enamel jug. There was a skittle alley and billiard table. I lived there until I was three and the whole family lived there during the war. I saw it when pulled down and I have a slate from the roof kept in memory.
Thanks Helen, what a lovely description, can almost picture it, all adds to its history, many thanks for your comment
The last two picture captions are not quite right. They both show the Plough but they only show the Windmill’s sign. I never used the Plough as I was only nine when it closed. I remember it closing. It must have been a blow to its regulars. I think I only used the Windmill once. After choir practice at St Mary’s we preferred the Humberstone which was pleasant.
Does anybody know where the Painters’ Arms was? Its mentioned in my copy of White’s Directory (1846). The Landlady’s name then was Haynes. Might have been on the Uppingham Road near Haynes Road. This would have been close to the station and the old gypsum workings and alabaster works which could have provided some of its custom
The last two photo captions are not quite true. Both pictures show the Plough but they only show the Windmill’s sign. I remember the plough closing but never used as I was only nine. Nice picture of the Windmill, Chris. Does anyone know where the Painters Arms was? Could have been on Uppingham Road somewhere near Haynes Road. White’s Directory for 1846 which I have have lists the landlady as Mrs Haynes