The Bow Bridge always had a significant part in the King Richard III story, as legend has it he rode out to battle over the 14th century bridge with great pomp, only to return over the same bridge with a naked corpse, slung over a horse.
The original bridge was washed away in storms circa 1795, to be replaced by a stone bridge.
The Bow Bridge Inn, behind the stone Bow Bridge circa 1860. (King Richards plaque on right)
The pub dates from circa 1840, when it was the scene of frequent disturbances, many from the boatmen that congregated on the bridge. Thomas Bolesworth the first licensee. Wm Branston soon followed c 1841, Full licence granted 1846, Francis Branston 1848, G Branston listed as tenant 1855. Richard Sharp 1864. Wm Geary 1874.
Watts & Sons Brewery owned the Bow Bridge Inn. (Later merges became All Saints Brewery)
Henry Baker became landlord 1876. Selina Baker 1879. Thoma Willars 1879, Mrs Mary Willars 1881. Joseph Bradshaw 1882. John Crouch 1883. Mark Holt 1891 and Emma Holt 1903. Robert Martin 1904.
Joseph Lewin 1924. Ernest Sharp 1925 and Emily Sharp 1930. George Dexter 1938. Mason Shacklock c 1941. Gertrude Day c1945;
The stone bridge was replaced by the iron bridge in the 1860s, which you can see today.
Standing alone, photo from Margaret Wright (Made in Leicester)
The Bow Bridge Inn closed in 1975.
