Nichols Street/Midland Street ran off Southampton Street, close to the present Phoenix Centre.
1859 Two men Wm Palmer and John Senior were charged and remanded for stealing two large casks from Joseph Mannings the Stonemasons Arms Nichol St the property of Tooth Brothers Burton, They sold the casks to a Mrs Withers who the police were told to keep an eye on her shop in future. Wm Palmer was sentenced to 4 months hard labour John Senior had his case dismissed as he was only the carrier.
In 1861, Joseph Manning was still listed as beerhouse keeper of the Stonemasons Arms in Nichols Street – although the numbers don’t match with later lists.
Dec 1864 Joseph Manning charged with open after hours, received a caution. again in Jan 1865 Joseph was again charged with the same offence, lucklly he was again let off.
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.
Jan 1878 William Merrill transferred his licence to Joseph Langton
Stephen Taylor was registered as beer house keeper and hosier in 1881 at no 57. Thomas Duxbury, builder, was next door at no. 59. Stephen Taylor would advertise ‘good stabling for two horses’
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 victuallar
William Nichols listed as licensee in 1887. July 1890 Francis Green a fishmonger of Northgate refused to pay for his ale PC Sharman was called whereas Green threw himself on the floor and repeatably kicked the PC-Green was fined £1 or 14 days.
1892, Gastin Martin (JR). 1895, William Holder. Granville Rugby club would hold their annual smoking concert here.1884 Chestnut horse for sale 15 hands-cheap good worker. Apply Masons Arms Nichol St
1898 William Holder at no 57 is still running the Masons Arms beerhouse.
Masons Arms 1901(written on back 57 Nicols St Leicester) Although I have yet to find T J Gooding at that address, in directories)
Assumed Thomas J Gooding 1901
All photos sent in and with kind permission of Tony Jeffs (see comment below)
It does seem the Masons Arms closed prior to World War 1
Thomas J Gooding was Licensee in 1901 his name over pub door Pub called Goodings Masons Arms. Have 2 Postcards of same.