No known picture of this to date.
Certainly run from at least circa 1870 with John Gardiner named as victualler. It also brewed its own beer until supplied by Beeston Brewery by the turn of the century.
Charles Wright owner and licensee, also brewer 1872. 1887 John Pick became landlord.
In August 1893, two brothers had a quarrel in the skittle alley which somehow involved pugilist Joseph Collins, alias ‘Tug Wilson.’
George Cox picked up a skittle and struck Wilson on the head: the skittle rebounded before striking another man on the nose. Cox was fined.
In July 1894, John Pick, who had been victualler for the past seven years, was prosecuted for harbouring a police constable on his premises and supplying him with ale. Pick was fined £1, with 14/-costs.
Harry Oswin 1904 (his name crops up quite a lot as landlord and owner in other pubs) 1907 Joseph Staines. 1914 Edwin King. 1915 Joseph Staines again. 1916 Alfred Coates (since deceased) 1921 William James White. 1923 Charles Riddington (deceased) 1927 Francis Riddington. 1929 Charles Benjamin Riddington. c 1950 Arthur W Aness was landlord.
Bass Ratcliffe & Gretton would owned the Riffle Butts from c1907 from either Harry Oswin or Beeston Brewery who supplied the beer.
‘Paddy’ Corrall, the Leicestershire wicket keeper, kept the Rifle Butt after his retirement in circa 1950. Corrall claimed 443 victims during his time, including ten wickets in a match – seven caught and three stumped.
Paddy was teetotal, unusual for a licensee.
Tom Corley ran a gym and boxing club upstairs in the mid 1960s.
St Andrews football club was formed in the Rifle Butts.
The Rifle Butts closed circa 1972, in line with the demolition of the area.
The Life Boat can be found on Chestnut Street.