Photo above: The Crown & Thistle, circa 1826, opposite the Town Hall (Guildhall), with hanging sign. Taken from a John Flower drawing looking towards Highcross Street.
1794, Joseph Rawson was licensee of the Crown & Thistle.
Little is known other than names of licensees which were after Joseph Rawson. In 1815, it was Charles Harrison. 1818, Richard Newberry. He left the Nelson in Humberstone Gate to be landlord.
In March 1821 the Crown & Thistle was up for sale a Mr Talbot, together with its brewery.
1822, E. Spawforth. 1828, William Burton. On William’s death, his wife Ann took over until she died in 1846, aged forty-nine.
Aug 1836 Thomas Riley an old offender charged by PC31 of being D&D in the Crown & Thistle, as the PC tried to remove Riley to the Station, Riley violently assaulted him. In court it was told Riley had been in prison at least 17 times, The Mayor sitting in judgement ‘I think we better send him to Gaoll then, he seems to like it better than outside’ Mayor to Riley ‘would you like a week or a fortnight’ Riley’I don’t care which you can hang me out in the road if you like’ It seems just to annoy Riley the Mayor then fined him 5/- in default he would be sent to the house of correction. (adjacent to the old county gaol in Highcross St)
Thomas Morgan was owner in the mid 1850s. He put the beerhouse up for sale in 1860, but according to directories he was still at the Crown & Thistle until circa 1865. Little is known from that date as it doesn’t appear again in local directories.
Possibility became Hero of Magdala as dates and position match, see previous file
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