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.
The most notable licensee was perhaps John Illston, who moved from the Orange Tree in Northgate in the mid 1870s. 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.
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 Damms, 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 Damms. 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).
