Edward Bailey was recorded as keeping the Nags Head in 1815, and it kept its name until Everards purchased the property in 1897 – up until that time the pub had been supplied by Cock & Langmore.
1818 T Thurlby was licensee (Pigots Inns & Taverns) 1827 the licence was held by John Gimson, c1840 John Crow, (John Crow would hold auctions for 40 stocking frames1844) John Crows wife Mary died with Christian fortitude aged 50 in 1846, LJ. 1848 Robert Briggs. (some reports as J Briggs) May 1849 the death of Robert Beales ex landlord of Nags Head is reported -doesn’t say when he was landlord. 1864 Luke Brice. 1868 Maria Brice.
The most notable licensee was perhaps John Illston, who moved from the Orange Tree in Northgate c1875. Previous to the Orange Tree he was with his family at the Old Ten Bells in Sanvey Gate. John’s son, George Illston, had a cab business run from the Nags Head. After John Illston died circa 1886, son George took on the licence until Everards purchased it, demolished the old Nags Head, and rebuilt a new pub to be called The Great Central Hotel.
George placed an advert in the local newspaper in May 1898:
Mr G J Illston has now left the Nags Head and is also declining his cart business all carts wheels etc will be offered at auction.
Shirley Damms would follow as licensee 1898. The Nags Head rebuilt by Everards 1900. Albert Seckerson 1901 (deceased) Harriot Florence Seckerson May 1907. William Henry Hunt July 1907. John Hings 1909. Wm Henry Wood 1912. John Moore Morris 1914. William Sutton 1919. Samuel Middleton 1920. Harry Dilley 1926. (this is where the licensing register ends) After Dilley we rely on Joseph Regans record of licensees,)
From J Rs record landlords were. 1937 Alan Simons, 1943 Frederick Street. 1947 Walter Keay. 1950 William Windley. 1952 Allan Hewitt. 1955 John Stanley. 1957 Ernest Jones. 1863 Cecil Leeson. 1964 John Martin. 1965 Walter Bradbury. 1966 John Coleman. 1968 Ena Coleman. 1971 Robert Nuttall. 1973 Anthony Hartshorn. NOW VAN DAMME 1978 Adrian Lane 1982 David Molyneux. -Closed c1983.
Four way junctions to Northgate, Sanvey Gate, Highcross Street and Soar Lane. All properties were eventually in stages to come down for new developments aimed for post 2015.
Classic shot showing the string bridge
Now Van Damme, the string bridge now being demolished (photo Rob Hubble collection)
Closed, demolition started nearby.
In the mid to late 1970s, the pub changed its name to Van Damme. Adult entertainment and strip shows were the order of the day – that usually is a sign of a pub in its dying days. Closed circa 1983 and demolished – the area standing derelict for many years.
Monday lunch was strip shows showing “older” ladies. I did venture a couple of time with a group of market trders – “purely in the name of research”, you understand. It was a pretty raucous affair.
Barry Lount recalls (or may not want to).
DJ Mick Tighe’s recollections of Van Damne of the late 70s and early 80s
Mick carries on
Many thanks to Mick Tighe and to Molly Storer for allowing reproduction from Leicester Born & Bread.
Note on Joseph Regans landlords list.
