(Photo above), The Bakers Arms, shows the pub sign on corner East Short Street.
Baker, Thomas Platt obtained a beer house licence sometime during the 1850s, running as both baker and victualler until the circa 1868, then the Clayton family ran the bakers for forty years. Edward Clayton being the first, he was fine one guineas for being oprn after hours in 1870. Although Thomas Haddon was listed as licensee 1877-79. Charles Clatyon 1879-96 Albert Edward Clayton 1896-1901. John James Cook followed until 1904 when Robert Stroud took on the licence. During the latter stages of World War I, Thomas Hammond took the licence 1917.
John Cousins was the owner until c1890 when Bass purchased the pub.
Thomas Hammond and his son, Alan, were in charge through into World War II, (the Hammond family kept a number of pubs in the city). Alan had been inducted as a special constable, Alan’s wife was reported by ARP wardens for leaving the upstairs blackout curtains open, this could have had consequences for Alan as any convictions was against the conditions of their licence. Thomas Hammond would plead his daughter in laws case with the chief constable and the charge was dropped.(info Micheal Parker) The Bakers was a popular haunt of Police as it was close to the police station.
Frances and Elizabeth Brooks followed until near the pubs closure circa 1955. Three families thus dominated as tenants for around 100 years, a rare feat suggesting a homely regulars pub .
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