Photo above: Circa 1906 picture of Bricklayers Arms, owned by Beeston’s Brewery. Sold to Shipstone & Sons Brewery, 1922.
Nov 1833 John Jones fined 40/- for serving after time. In 1835 until circa 1843, it was run by Thomas Herbert. In August 1838, three lads were convicted of stealing lead from the guttering. We know the ‘Brickies’ was their earlier as inquest was held here August 1833. Herbert transferred to Mary Turner, she in turn to James Ward December 1852.
In November 1853, James Ward was charged by the Inspector of Nuisances with allowing offensive matter to flow from his premises: Ward was given one week to sort out or a fine would ensue. The following March, Ward transferred to Henry Morris. What happened to Henry, not sure – a Henry Morris died later that year, so that may explain. The licence was transferred from Rebecca Morris in November 1855 to John Hewitt. Hewitt to John Fisher, 1861. The Bricklayers was up for auction 1855, in again in 1871.
In October 1866, a hawker left his two horses and van in the open street outside the Bricklayers Arms, unfed and unharnessed till after midnight whilst he was in the pub. As the paper summarised: ‘The moans of the poor animals for the want of food and rest were loud and pitiful, how the policeman on duty allowed the horse to remain so long uncared for, is for them both to explain to the authorities.’
Charles Johnson recorded as owner and licensee 1870. Emanuel Oakland 1876. (Who had been at the Old White Hart Metcalf St) a year later Oakland had his licence objected to for allowing drunkenness for which he was convicted and fined 40/- the Justices after consideration gave Emanuel the benefit of the doubt and renewed his licence, James Sivens stole two half crown coins from the till, landlord Oakland suspected Sivens, went to his house, accused him, Sivens then produced the money, he received one months hard labour. James Burton was convicted of assault on Emanuel Oakland and his daughter, Burton who had 32 previous convictions was to given one months hard labour. Wm Herbert received 14 days for trying to steal money from the till 1885
Edward Weston licensee in 1885. Walter Cayless. In 1896, 1900 WAlter James Smart? Walter Gilbert became licensee. in 1905 the same year as George Walton,
1918 John Gooding. the Gooding family were still there in 1950 licensee A W Gooding.
A popular ‘Shippo’s’ pub post World War II, with a classic Victorian till up to the 1970s. Kept by a lovely couple with a great pint.
C.A.M.R.As first national beer guide came out in 1974 The Bricklayers Arms was on of only three pubs in Leicester included, and the only one with a mention ‘Cheerful old local on a main thoroughfare’
Shipstone was swallowed up by Greenhall Whitley circa 1978. The ‘Brickies’ eventually fell under Scottish & Newcastle ownership, and as was their want some bright spark decided to turn the ‘Brickies’ into an Irish theme pub. Shifty O’ Shea’s opened in December 1995.
The Irish theme bar went so well within five years it was abandoned. Out went the shamrocks and fake Irish Gaelic signs, reverting to a traditional English pub and reopening as Bricklayers Arms again April 2001.
This is not to diss Irish pubs which are some of the best in Leicester, especially during the 1950s-60s. There have been many, with either Irish landlords or patronage with a definite flavour of Ireland, but to fake the experience is ‘beyond the pale.’
The Foxhut bar @the Bricklayers Arms (Facebook)
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I think back in the 70’s the couple were Stan and Nora ? He was always properly dressed in a jacket and tie. I remember the old “spirit level “ beer engine on the bar dispensing the excellent Shipstones. Those Friday nights: crowded smoky bar, darts, punk on the jukebox, pie and seafood seller would drop in, also the Salvation Army selling their paper. A great mix which I fondly recall now nearly fifty years later.
Spot on Mark, captures the pub perfectly, Stan was always smartly dressed even at lunchtimes, the dispense beer engine unusual at the time, many thanks for your input and interest.
Stan and Laura,not Nora.
Stan spent a lot of time in the cellar if you know what I mean.
Laura was originally from the North East.
When they retired they went to live in Beaumont Leys and the pub was taken over by John and Gail Young from Derbyshire.
great thanks Ernest, apologies for mistake, thanks for further info , it all helps the history to the pub and site
Stan and Laura,not Nora.