The first known recording of the Fellmongers Arms is a court case from October 1837, when the landlord, William Harriott or Harriatt, was called before the Mayor. In consequence of instructions from the bench a visit to beerhouses was to be made on a Saturday night, calling at the Fellmongers 12.30 am, the inspector found men drinking and playing cards. Harriott claimed he never allowed gambling, a stranger must have bought the cards in. The Mayor remarked that was a poor excuse but on the promise that Harriott wouldn’t offend in future he dismissed the case.
William Harriott was recorded as brewer at 132 Wharf Street in 1841 and was still there in 1851 as victualler, together with his wife, Elizabeth, and their six children.
They don’t appear there by 1860 and the Fellmongers isn’t listed. No other landlords recorded and the address was later listed as grocers.
A ‘fellmonger’ was a dealer in hides and skins – which would fit in with the nearby slaughter house.
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