Nichols Street/Midland Street ran off Southampton Street, close to the present Phoenix Centre.
In 1861, Joseph Manning was listed as beerhouse keeper of the Stonemasons Arms in Nichols Street – although the numbers don’t match with later lists.
We have William Merrill as beer house keeper, 1869, at no 79 Nichols Street. In July 1874, the property cornering Nichols Street and Midland Street – comprising a large stonemason’s yard, workshops, stabling, coach house, together with dwelling house and offices adjoining – was for sale. John Firn and son employed fifty men and four boys.
It seems highly likely that is where the beerhouse name came from.
Stephen Taylor was registered as beer house keeper and hosier in 1881 at no 57. Thomas Duxbury, builder, was next door at no. 59.
By February 1883, the Masons Arms had William Towers as the landlord, having taken over from Stephen Taylor. Thomas Duxbury, the builder next door, was also listed as owning the Masons Arms, with Hiram Court as victualler.
William Nichols listed as licensee in 1887. 1892, Gastin Martin (JR). 1895, William Holder. It seems the Masons closed prior to World War I.