BISHOPS BLAZE – MARQUIS WELLINGTON, LONDON ROAD

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1801 an Inn was built near the London Rd tollgate and named the Bishops Blaze. Named after the patron saint of wool  combers, the Bishop Blaze was built around 1801 to cater for trade at the toll gate.  In 1813 the Inn was rebuilt or renamed The Marquis Wellington. (Leices Mercury 13/4/2017.).

On the 2nd of March 1810, the Leicester Journal advertised a run of eight properties to be put up for sale, situated at ‘the upper end of Granby Street.’ Amongst the eight was:

Public House the Bishops Blaze in the tenure of Mr Gray. The Bishop Blaze has large arched cellar, house, parlours, chambers four garrets and garden, Auction to take place at the house of Mr Messinger the White Lion enquiries to Mr Owston.

Licensees included c1815 John Gilbert. c1827 Edward Blood. c1840 Ann Blood. 1855 Edward Blood, 1862 John Crofts, 1864 Robert Bird. 1870 Samuel Bonner, 1876 Louisa Bonner. John Farmer is listed as owner. 1881 William Hartopp 1884 Arthur Adam. (both Hartopp & Adam listed as owners). 1887 George Broadley. Thomas Brandreth 1892, The Marquis was now owned by Everards Brewery who rebuilt the pub c1903.

c1900 Thought to be Thomas Brandreth landlord at doorway, with his family and servants at window, below looking down London Rd, prior to the street rebuild. Emma Brandeth took on the licence when Thomas died. c1906 Charles Gibbs was installed as landlord.
Marquis Wellington c1900 and below extended and given a new façade in c1907.

Charles Gibbs seemed to be landlord for over 30 years, Thomas Gunton licensee c1938. George Beaver 1945. Geoffrey Bishop 1954. Francis Gould 1966.

The ‘[New’ Marquis Wellington, I was working on the University building across Vicky park in the earl 1960s, the Marquis was one of our regular drinking haunts together with the Old Horse, each lunchtime the ‘ganger man’ complete with bowler hat and long dark trench coat could be found in one of the rear rooms ‘holding court’ entered though ornate revolving doors into wood paneled rooms a particular style of Everards interiors..

Reputedly haunted, the Marquis of Wellington has undergone many refurbs in its time. Since the 1970s has re invented itself internally at frequent intervals. c 1970 Leslie Eastwood was licensee. Horace Gunn 1971. Thomas Mangun 1974. Frances Charlie 1976. Maurice McDonald 1977. Brian Beanland 1978. (the 70s licensees from Joe Regan’s list)

Below fitting hanging in bar 1970s

The façade, possibly the most ornate and most recognised in Leicester.

Two above photos 2023 by David Stretton (Made in Leicester)

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