Marquis of Hastings, no. 94 next to court M. 3, three doors from Old Kings Arms at no. 100. Sanvey Gate Tavern is no. 74, also on map (see photo above).
1860s is the first recorded mention of the Marquis of Hastings – in 1861 the properties 94 is a FWK house, and 96 recorded as a shop.
By May 1865, a case which the Mayor described as a ‘disgraceful state of affairs’ was when the landlord of the Marquis of Hastings, Thomas Gibbons, charged George Lovells with stealing a gold watch, a bed, a silk dress and other articles.
It appeared that Lovell had lodged at the Marquis for the past few months but was thrown out after seducing Gibbons’ wife. A warrant was procured, the police accompanied Gibbons to Lovell’s house where Lovell was found with Gibbons’ wife. Lovell claimed that Mrs Gibbons had bought the suspected stolen goods with her and he thought it only right to retaliate and elope with Mrs Gibbons as her husband had seduced his own wife. Lovell claimed it was tit for tat (or trick and tie). This prompted the Mayor’s displeasure and he remanded Lovell for further evidence.
By 1869 John Massey was victualler. Records are scant over the next decade or two, although Henry Martin ran the pub in 1873, as he was listed as in occupation of the Marquis of Hastings when it was up for sale that year. Henry was also working as a shoe clicker in a factory at the same time (as told by Linda Elson), By 1878, John Morris was landlord and 1879 John Richardson, but many directories do not list the pub, although Arthur Rolleston is listed as beer house keeper of the Marquis of Hastings in 1879. having the licence transferred from Richardson.
Arthur Rolleston liked a fight having took part in prize fights, was convicted of assault on a customer 1885, his licence was objected too on the grounds he was unfit to run the beehouse as it was his 14th time before the courts 8 times for assault, others including for prize fighting and poaching. Arthur had lived in Sanvey Gate all his life with his family of bakers, he himself being one prior to taking the pub, he died 1891, wife Emma took on the licence.
The Marquis of Hastings beerhouse closed circa 1904. Emma Rolleston still licensee she was awarded £115 with brewers Marstons £485 under the Compensation Act.
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