Earliest record so far is 1840, Thomas Fielding, victualler. Thomas died here in 1844, aged only 37.
1850 Samuel Chatwin landlord. 1855 J Johnson was licensee.
An 1856 For Sale ad read:
All that newly erected Old Licensed and well accustomed PH known by the sign of the Lion & Lamb in the occupation of William Whiles with two adjoining tenements.
William Richmond followed Wm Whiles c1867. 1875 Edwin Turner,
In March 1877, Thomas Unsworth, a twenty-five year old iron moulder, called in at the Lion & Lamb. He was served with half a pint and the landlord went to fetch a second for him, Thomas felt ill and giddy. As the landlord returned with his ale, Thomas’ pipe fell from his mouth, his arms dropped and he slumped to the floor. He was removed to the yard, but before medical aid could be summoned he expired. His death was attributed to some affliction of the brain which caused his heart to stop.
Oct 1877 George Peet was installed as landlord.
In April 1880, George Barton – also a moulder – met his death in the Lion & Lamb. He fell as he was alighting the stairs, injuring his head and died the following morning.
1883 Jacob Morris was licensee. Thomas Butt had been owner of the Lion & Lamb since c1855, the ownership now passed to Beeston Brewery. c1889, Henry Wood became landlord, Alice Wood in 1901. John Fearn 1902. Thomas Brewin c1915. (deceased) Amelia Brewin 1920. Later that year the license renewal was refused, The Lion & Lamb Lee St closed Jan 1921, compensation of £1530 to brewery and &160 to the tenant.
Someone who was to later become a celebrity in fashionable Victorian London, was the unfortunate Joseph Carrey Merrick ‘The Elephant Man’ born in Lee St almost opposite the Lion & Lamb at no 50, two doors away from Alfred St. Stepping out of his tiny terrace Joseph could not help noticing the Pub almost facing him. (a comprehensive life story of Joseph Merrick and his family in Leicester can be searched online ‘Joseph Merrick by Bill Greenwell’ or a good read ‘Joseph The life and places of the Elephant Man’ by Joanne Vigor Mungovin
.