There is a record of Ring of Bells in 1743 (recognizance orders), and later in August 1813:
“Recruiting of the Leicestershire Local Militia”
Sergeant Stevenson will be at the Ring Of Bells Sanvey Gate for to recruit to the Militia.
These are the only references yet found to the Ring of Bells. By 1818, William Barnes was victualler of the Old Ten Bells. Its only conjecture that these two are the same pub, but it does seem likely.
In November 1833, victualler Edward Growcock was charged with selling after time. The Old Ten Bells brewed its own ale through to 1898, when Brunt & Bucknall owned the business.
Amongst the brewers was James Wakeling, 1860s – 1883, when Joseph Brown came in from the Old Cheese, Abbey Street. It was during the Browns’ tenure that a strange case occurred in 1887, involving the death of Ann Budworth in suspicious circumstances. Ann, who lived near the Old Ten Bells entered the pub in distress, bleeding from her face. She claimed she had quarrelled with her husband and fell whilst being chased. Emma Brown wife of the landlord tried to soothe her but such were her injuries she eventually died.
The rumour mill swung in to action and there were suggestions that Ann’s husband should be tried for manslaughter. The inquest however took the option and decided that the reason for her injuries were those given to the landlady, giving a verdict of accidental death.
Emma Ann Brown was to take on the licence and brewing until June 1892, when she put the pub up for auction. In 1898, the brewing plant was sold at auction, presumably this is when Brunts were to take over.
The Old Ten Bells didn’t last many years after that, finally closing circa 1905 (in the picture, the landlord’s name over the door has been taken down, suggesting the pub has just closed). George Pinsent being the last landlord, he was awarded £150 and Brunt £ Bucknall £813 through the compensation act.
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Absolutely brilliant site. I’m 78 so I remember a lot the more recent pubs around Bath Lane area.born in all saints Rd in 1943, good memories
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The 1861 census shows an interesting occupancy for the Old Ten Bells. The landlord is widower John Illston with his two sons John and George. The housekeeper (& also his lover) is Sarah Ann Watts (nee Bland) and the servant is Sarah’s daughter Eliza Watts. Also resident is John and Sarah’s daughter Elizabeth Illston. In 1864 John and Sarah finally married, and by 1871 they had moved on to the Orange Tree Inn in Northgate Street.