First mentioned in May 1838, when a bakehouse and dwelling was advertised to let ‘Situate in Benford Street with passage to Horse & Groom in Wheat Street.’
In February 1841, there was a robbery at Mr Tieres, Horse & Groom Wheat Street. A silk handkerchief and a waistcoat cloth were stolen.
October 1841, dwelling and bakehouse for auction at Swan with Two Necks ‘property in Bedford Street nearly at the back of the Horse & Groom and communication with Wheat Street in occupation of Mr H. Stevenson.
April 1843, Robert Peers of Horse & Groom fined 40/- for being open during divine service.
October 1854, three teens – Buswell, Clew and Newcomb – were followed into Wheat Street after thirty-six yards of cloth had been stolen from a draper in Market Place. PC Smith called at the Horse & Groom where Elena Hill, who resided there, pointed out the men in the bowling alley. PC Smith arrested Clew and Newcomb, although Buswell ran off. Later William Hill helped PC Smith search the pub yard where they found the cloth under some bricks. At court Clew and Newcomb claimed they had nothing to do with the theft but that it was Buswell who ran off and couldn’t be found. The Jury acquitted the two.
There is no other known reference to the Horse & Groom. The fact that both this establishment and the New Jolly Angler which is recorded from circa 1860 had yards that back on to Benford Street, does suggest that they might be one and the same, although the exact location in the street remains unclear.
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