Photo above: (Circa 1948, picture J Zienteck).
The Photo above also shows the 17th century Talbot building as it was before major alterations (after a fire in 1950s), reduced the height. Prisoners would have their last meal here before their meeting with the hangman. To the right is the mortuary where supposedly criminals were brought after their execution at nearby Red Hill Gallows. It was rumored that their bodies would be used for medical experiment and research. No wonder that claims of it being haunted surface from time to time. Reputedly the original Talbot dates from prior the 16th century, the Talbot dog being part of the Belgrave family crest.
Ad from Leicester &Nottingham Journal Feb 1761. shows Wm Marston as licensee. Cock fighting often held at the Talbot during 18th cent.
(Drawing by Fuzz Pendell)
The Talbot was part of Belgrave Parish until circa 1896.
19th century landlords included Mr C. Fowler, who died in 1824. He was followed by Thomas Kirby, listed as brewer and maltster. Ann Kirby was at the Talbot until circa 1883, when well into her seventies.
Ann Kirby was once assaulted with a candlestick by a drunken customer, Edward Pearson. He was found guilty but assured the bench he would remain a teetotaller for life.
Joseph Cooke took on the mantle of landlord and brewer after Ann Kirby. During Thomas’ time in July 1846, a servant lad Samuel Barsby was sent out with horse and cart to fetch some manure. On the return journey, upon reaching the Talbot the horse became restless. Samuel tried to restrain the horse but fell under the loaded cart, the wheels passing over him. The LJ reported ‘Samuel’s existence was terminated almost instantly, as he was picked up in a sense of insensibility he expired immediately.’
Much of the Talbot’s history is tied up in Belgrave records. LBM purchased the property from The Charity Trustees.
The Talbot Inn is still very much open for business as of writing, as this delightful 2023 photo from Jeremy Corbett collection shows.
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