One of Leicester’s classic pubs (Mary Batesons Records of the Borough of Leicester records the Antelope, near St Martins 1493) (Billson records the Antelope in 1666).
‘The Antelope could certainly tell some tales, one of my favourite hang outs late 1950s -1960s. Full of characters, with a bit of a reputation (as did many around the clock tower) – that was the excitement when we were youths to enter these hallowed places. A boxing ring was upstairs. Great British boxers of the day trained there – the British heavy weight division was littered with household names, Johnny Prescott (my favourite) and Jack Bodell to name but two.
Barry Lount
Johnny Prescott and Jack Bodell. Promotion cards both boxers from local promoter George Biddle’s stable.
Situated close to the Il Rondo dance hall, which any one who lived through the 1960’s golden years was the ultimate place for bands such as the Rolling Stones and Who played there, often some would venture into the Antelope for a drink, another reason to call in there.
In 1796, the Antelope was described as a small carrier’s inn, stabling for ten horses running coaches to Coventry and Birmingham. By 1843, its stabling had increased to twenty horses, brewhouse and yard plus the usual, bar, tap, smoke and large upstairs clubroom, back entrance from Cank Street.
The ‘Efficient Police’ ran the headline in the LC in February 1835 – A man named Diamond was remanded on a charge of theft and given up to Sergeant Dunckley, to be taken to the town jail. Dunckley walked the prisoner towards the jail but, in his words, he decided to ‘wet his whistle’ so together prisoner and escort stopped off at the Antelope. After a while, Diamond asked the Sergeant if he could go and relieve himself, and the sergeant readily agreed. Not surprisingly, Diamond didn’t come back, leaving a red faced policeman with his drink. Diamond was fortunately spotted by the turnkey of the jail, who recognised him and followed him down the High Street to the Stag & Pheasant, where it was thought he was going to alight a coach. Diamond was apprehended before he had time to do so.
The Watch committee reduced Sergeant Dunckley to the ranks, remarking he was lucky not to be dismissed.
Many landlords have graced the Antelope, a special mention must go to George Selvey who ran the pub through two world wars 1907 to 1948. In 1726, William Brooks was victualler: many of his family followed in his footsteps.
In 1782, the Antelope was purchased by Thomas Tuffley, malster and baker, and was described as ‘a tenement divided into three or more dwelling houses, for many years past used as an inn called the Antelope.’
By 1815, the pub had been largely rebuilt by a previous victualler, John Findley.
The property changed hands a further six times before Everards purchased the Antelope in June 1888 for £7000. In 1947, Everards bought the adjoining properties number’s 18 and 20.
The Antelope closed circa 1972 and was eventually sold to the council in 1978 with a covenant preventing the sale of alcohol, so as not to provide completion to its two nearby pubs, The Globe and Saracens Head. (From deeds supplied by Chris Jinks). From here the Antelope was left to rot and fall into disrepair.
You never realise what you are missing until its gone.
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I remember going in there as a teenager a couple of years before it closed. The most characteristic feature was having no servery bar, and the beer pumps mounted on the wall. When you finished your drink, it wouldn’t be long before a barmaid approached your table making it quite clear that a further order was required if you were intending to stay. You wouldn’t be allowed to hang around for very long nursing an empty glass!