Formally the Freemasons Arms but from circa 1835 ran by John and Elizabeth York – so the inspiration for the pub name most likely came from that connection. Elizabeth took on the licence upon John’s death and married again in 1855, to Charles Croft of the Red Cow, Belgrave Gate. There quickly followed James Wigmore, then Samuel Barker in 1856, and John White – until William Preston in 1861.
William Preston passed on the licence of York Castle to William Haynes in December 1866. But a William Preston was separately recorded as holding the licence to the Jolly Butcher in Northgate, passing it on to William Brandith in January 1863. Preston either had two pubs in Northgate or renamed the York Castle to the Jolly Butcher, reverting back to York Castle on his regaining the licence. All conjecture, although JR records York Castle as ex-Jolly Butcher.
The only other record of the Jolly Butcher, was also in January 1863. Thomas Able assaulted John Goodwin in the Jolly Butcher, giving him two black eyes.
The York Castle was put up for sale in 1875 when in the occupation of John Goodwin. The York Castle finally closed its doors circa 1895 when an auction of the brewing equipment and F&F was ordered by the L S & L Railway Co. for demolition. Compensation was paid. The six cottages in the yard of the York Castle were also were demolished.
Other licensees were James Coulson, circa1870. Fred Mathews, circa 1876-1892, and finally Frederick Piper until its demolition.