Most of the reports are from the 1850s, although an Eagle was recorded 1728 – but with no address.
In June 1850, Fielding Moore (aged twenty-five), was granted a tripe boiler’s licence under the offensive trades act at the premises. The 1851 census lists Fielding Moore, his wife Elizabeth, now running the Eagle beerhouse at the same premises, Southgate Street corner of Redcross Street.
The Brewster Sessions list refusals of Fielding Moore’s application for the Eagle licence in August 1854 and August 1856. It is listed as the Spread Eagle in September 1855.
If the beerhouse was closed any time during this period is unknown but court records show that in February 1856 John Slack – a well known offender with eighteen offence was employed by Fielding Moore to do some work (a condition of workhouse policy). Slack refused, and instead applied to admittance to the Workhouse. This was turned down on the information of Fielding Moore that he had refused work. Slack, out of spite, went to Fielding Moore’s house smashed a mirror and some glass. He was fined £5.
In November 1856, Ann Pegg was caught stealing coal from the beerhouse. Fielding Moore was suspicious that some one was helping their selves to some of his coal, and a local sergeant concealed himself in an entry close the Eagle. Pegg entered the gateway, returning with a basket under her shawl, containing some coal. Ann Pegg was given our months hard labour.
Seven months later, Joseph Draycott assaulted Elizabeth Moore. He called in the beerhouse, ordered some ale but refused to pay. When the landlady remonstrated with him, Draycott struck Elizabeth several times before dragging her along the floor for twenty yards injuring her quite badly. For this offence Draycott was fined £2.
A contrast of justice as meted out in Victorian England.
In 1857 Fielding Moore, moved from the Eagle to the Wheatsheaf in Wheat Street.
At the end of 1857, the Eagle was put up for sale:
‘On Southgate & Redcross Street the Eagle Beer house occupied by George Raynor tap room kitchen etc together with two adjoining houses one the residence of the late Sir William Walker, persons will do well to inspect the property whoever wants to erect factories or warehouse as the site is so large a quantity open ground will never again be offered so near the centre of town.’
No other records relating to the Eagle after that.
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