DUKE OF WELLINGTON, 74 WELLINGTON STREET

Photo above: The Duke of Wellington, circa 1920, showing a cobbled Wellington Street.

Recorded in 1820. William Wheat recorded as licensee 1827, although Wheat is still recorded as licensee in some directories 1840 (JR) has Wm Shilcock during the 1830s. (MB) has Francis Shilcock licensee 1835, all quite confusing. I can find very little on William Shilcock although Mrs Francis Shilcock recorded as licensee in 1841. Frances had re-married Thomas Radford in May 1940, Septembers 1842 Francis died aged 41, Thomas Radford was listed as landlord a month later in October, until 1845 when he transferred the licence to R Facer. which throws up some questions what happened to Wm Shilcock?

Robert Swadlery c1854. 1855 R Maxfield or Mansfield, 1864 William Sutton, 1873 George Lee. George is also brewing here, the owner a Mrs Moore.

Circa 1881, landlord George Lee, forty-three, died after a quarrel with Charles Windows, a neighbour of 78 Wellington Street, turned into fisticuffs over a debt.  Witnesses said Windows struck the first blow, a scuffle ensued, and George Lee struck his head as he fell on the Prince Blucher (pub on the next corner), wall rendering him unconscious.  Regaining his senses he stumbled home to his wife, Maria, at the Duke of Wellington.  His face was covered in blood.  Maria helped him to bed where she later found him slumped unconscious and he subsequently he died.

Windows was committed to trial on the charge of manslaughter and sent to trial at the assizes.

George’s wife Maria Lee would then take on the licence until 1884, Thomas Jarvis then became landlord, 1887 Charles Woodford was listed as owner and licensee. A year later Henry Bower ran the pub until Charles Storer c 1889. Charles unfortunately died at the pub, Francis Heath then came in until Frederick Hill 1894, Frederick would put ad in the Hinckley Times ” Having taken the Duke of Wellington Leices, will be glad to see any of his friends from Hinckley-Ales, Spirits of the finest quality. Chops and Steaks cooked at the shortest notice. 3 minutes walk from the Railway Station.

Charles Johnson 1900, John Oldacre in 1902 with George Oldacre 1909. Ernest Freeman 1912, John masters seemed to be the last landlord 1924-1927

The pub was owned by Bells Brewery of Burton upon Trent and taken over by Thomas Salt in 1902. The Brewery was bought by Magee, Marshall & Co of Bolton, Owston the Leicester solicitors were then involved as owners or holders of the deeds. When Magee Marshall failed to brew at the Burton site.

instead they shipped the famous Burton water to their Bolton site, leaving Thomas Salt to brew, In turn Thomas Salt was bought by by Bass Ratcliffe & Gretton, 1927.  The Duke of Wellington closed on the 8th of February 1929 with compensation paid.

(JR) Joseph Regan-list of licensees (MB) Mike Brown-Tiger Tales and Ales

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