First known reference was in 1754, when the White Bear was mentioned in election expenses for that particular year. A White Boar or Bear appears in the 1741 orders.
Circa 1792, Mr Carter was landlord of the White Bear. He and his wife had the misfortune to be victims of robbery by Leicester’s notorious highwayman, George Davenport.
Mr Carter was relieved of his all his takings for the week. He informed the local paper (LJ) of a five guineas reward was posted for Davenport’s apprehension. (illustration by Fuzz Pendell).
In 1811, the White Bear is mentioned in unpublished BA (Leicester Lib).
1818, Thomas Dexter was possibly the owner. In 1828, Dexter was also the brewer. Further landlords were 1828, John Peel, and in 1835, William Rice. By 1838, it was Thomas Dexter again. He had 27 lbs of beef stolen when his door was left open.
The 1846 directory showed the White Bear as empty, but by 1850 it was kept by Thomas Tacey. In 1852, James Varnam, the owner of the White Bear, sold all f&f and brewing equipment to Elizabeth Rice. The new owner was charged for refusing to billet four militiamen in May 1853.
In 1857, the landlord was John Picken or Piggin. In 1870, it was George Collins. 1880, William Otterwell. 1882, Jane Otterwell. Jane was still there until 1890, when the White Bear was put up for sale, complete with brewhouse, whilst she was in occupation. George Collins is recorded as brewer. 1894 Henry ‘Harry’ Biddles listed as licensee, 1903 Wm Henry Skeffington, and 1909 Wm Henry Heath.
An LBM house – it closed prior World War I. in 1913 when the licence was transferred in part exchange for a new off licence run by James Arthur Thacker 122 Hopefield Rd Leicester.
Thornton Lane was part in the heart of Leicester of the ancient borough of St Nicholas. It is now mostly covered by the Holiday Inn complex.
White Bear is lower centre. Thornton Lane is off Highcross – Southgate Street, In 1883, the Golden Lion was on the corner. The Inn seems of a considerable size with a carriage way down the centre, with a large rear for brewery and stables.
Many were demolished circa 1880-1890, when the White Bear was put up for sale – although the inn was to last a few years later.
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