Built as the Midland Counties Railway Inn, circa 1840 and named after the railway company.
In 1842, the victualler was James Waring. The Midland Counties name wasn’t to last long as in April 1843 a notice in the LC stated. ‘A Horse now at the Engine Queen St the property of Mr Hickling Northampton Street, will be sold next Wednesday unless redeemed by paying the expenses.’
Francis Stather landlord c1846
The Engine stood on a large plot with stables and brewery. A slaughter house also stood in the grounds, with access also from Southampton Street.
1855 J Ward was licensee, In June 1857, William Willford of the Engine Hotel was declared bankrupt. The pub was auctioned complete with stock, f&f contents of the brewery including the ‘finest Kent Hops.’
1864 Ann Norton was licensee, 1875 William Kelham would purchase the Engine pub and take on the licence, William Kellam would advertise regularly his home brewed ales, spirits from the docks during his tenure he died c1891, Mary Kelham would then hold the licence, followed by Albert Edward Kelham 1895.
Henry Bodycoat was there 1896 that’s when Robinsons of Burton on Trent purchased the pub presumably from the Kelham family. Robinsons were later to bought by Ind Coope.
James Austee entered the pub 1900 a staunch Conservative (since deceased) William James Austee 1913 ( he too since deceased) Joseph Kirby 1918-deceased-Kate Kirby 1929. Kate was still there into the 1940s. Albert Hammond licensee c1950.
Circa 1960s showing the Engine. Southampton Street can be seen in the background, with a massive fire behind the Victoria. Photo taken from St George Street.
Another angle, with businesses prior to demolition. The property was bought by the Leicester City Council in 1960 for redevelopment.
The licence of the Engine was later transferred to Howden Road.
Hi, I used to live in this hotel / pub in 1960 I am looking for photos, floor plans or anything that anything that can enrich my time there. Thank you