Recorded in 1790, with Thomas Pick as licensee, and known as the Hare & Hounds circa 1794. The Butler family would then keep it until circa 1840 before Richard Bennett took over. He was soon followed by John Smalley who by 1843 had been charged for allowing gambling on his premises.
John Cowdell transferred the licence to William Smith in May 1845. Within a couple of months, Smith was charged with allowing drunkenness on the premises. Later that year the Old Hare was again to let advertised with large garden and convenient for keeping cows – ‘apply Mr W Smith.’
John Thomas followed. He was unfortunate as the hours of service in St Margaret’s had been altered to 10.30am in May 1848. Thomas unaware, was subsequently charged with keeping the Old Hare open on Sunday during the hours of service and was fined 10/-.
A quick succession of licensees followed. In June 1851, Joseph Treadle was charged with allowing drunkenness when a PC called in at 3am to find men in drunken state. Treadle claimed he had let the Old Hare to someone else so wasn’t in charge, As Treadle had failed to inform the magistrates he was still legally the licensee so was fined. Joseph Treadle officially transferred the licence the following week to John James.
In May 1852, the pub was again put up to let, where a Mr H. Long took over until June. That was when Samuel Paine was handed the licence, only to give it up in October to John Giles. John Giles was there when in November 1853.
Richard Hinks, who lived in Old Hare Yard, died of the cholera. Hinks was said to be addicted to drink, he had been drinking in the pub when he was seized with the cholera. He was put to bed in what the Medical Officer described as in a ‘miserable garret’ and died the next morning. A surgeon visiting Hinks’ room reported the impurity of the atmosphere in the house with an offensive smell prevailing. The General Board of Health was informed and the necessary steps were taken to decontaminate the property, including lime washing the property.
Later that month John Giles left the Old Hare. George Garrard took over. He fell foul of the authorities as he was already licensee at the Barrel in Belgrave Gate. This came to light when he attempted to transfer the licence to James Merall – who also held another licence – so the transfer was refused. The outcome is unclear, but little is known of the Old Hare after that, whether it closed or changed its name is unknown.
