Also recorded as Bowling Green House and the Vauxhall Bowling Green, after the nearby Vauxhall Gardens. Recorded in the recognizance orders in 1733.
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.
May 1813, a meeting of the Reform Society was held here.
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.
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.
1846 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.
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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