BOWLING GREEN INN, ST PETER’S LANE

Also recorded as Bowling Green House and the Vauxhall Bowling Green, after the nearby Vauxhall Gardens. Recorded in the recognizance orders in 1733.

This map of circa 1880 shows the Bowling Green Inn, but gives little evidence of the true size at the beginning of the 1800s.  Vauxhall St behind wasn’t built until circa 1832. The Bowling Green’s grounds covered 800 sq yards right through to New Street.  The Inn’s grounds contained a bowling green, which was entered through the tap room, with other outside areas for entertainment.

The Theatre in Leicester, by Helen & Richard Leacroft, suggests the Bowling Green opened for entertainment 1799.  It seems to have been an early venue for theatrical performances.

1812 auctions were held here. May 1813, a meeting of the Reform Society was held here. 1814 Wm Harrison informed the public he had taken on the licence of the Vauxhall Bowling Green from Mr Hester. Joseph Spencer announced he had become victular in 1815.

May 1817, Mr Brock held his fireworks display here, advertised at the Vauxhall Bowling Green.

1818, the Inn was up to let – all brewing equipment to be auctioned. Samuel Wilson became victualler.

1822 john knight listed as landlord.

An advert from September 1825: 

Ladies and Gentlemen of Leicester there will be a brilliant firework display at the Bowling Green by the celebrated Chevalier Rowence Artist in Fireworks to the Royal Family. Admission 1/- A select band will attend and a concert each evening.

In 1828, the recently rebuilt Bowling Green Inn (in the occupation of William Johnson), was advertised for sale, together with shop and tenements adjoining either side, plus 800 yards of building land to the north, all in one lot.  The above map therefore shows the new Vauxhall St and houses thereon which were soon to be built. Robert Jackson listed as landlord c 1830. john bates seemed to there a couple of years, Ralf Kirk 1835, and then Susannah Kirk until 1872.

In 1846 when Samuel Kirk was victualler, running the Inn with his brother. Samuel unfortunately came to an untimely end in November 1866, when he fell backwards coming down the brew house steps, smashing his head on the stone yard.  He died almost immediately. The inquest was told that Samuel had previously suffered fits, so his fall was attributed to this.

After Susannah Kirk, Thomas Cooper 1872 came in as licensee, The Bowling Green was now owned by John Abel. John Harriman 1874 victular, John Taylor 1888 with Richard Wright now the owner,

George Hallam 1897 now the victular and Nottingham Brewing Co supplying or owning the pub.

Photo of the Bowling Green (LRO), in St. Peter’s Lane, with grocery shop adjoining.

1904 Thomas Edward Healey became mine host, followed by Harry Beufield 1905. Harry Beasley 1906, Albert Brown 1912. Sidney Mason seems to be the last landlord from c1933

The Bowing Green closed its doors 1939 under the compensation act. JR Records a Mullins Bar built on the site of the former Bowling Green pub.

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