Photo above: Woman believed to be Emily Lane, the last landlady before the White Cow closed in 1907.
The White Cow once stood at the corner of Russell Square and Willow Bridge Street. Recorded in the 1830s: William Colton was fined 40/- for allowing card playing. November 1833, Francis Derbyshire was landlord, 1839. The death of his daughter, Jane, aged only twenty was in the obituaries. ‘Jane, daughter of Francis Derbyshire, the White Cow Willow Street died in full assurance of a glorious resurrection through faith in the redeemer.’
There seems a lull in reports of the White Cow until the 1860s, apart from 1847 and 1848 when the Leicester Operative Conservative Society would meet here quarterly.
1860, James Ballard, victualler.
In September, 1861 Jane Johnson, aged about fifteen, was employed as a servant to the Kitsons at the White Cow. He went home one evening in an old dress and a pair of boots belonging to the landlady. Jane came back the next day, apologised and asked to be pardoned. This was turned down as the police had already been informed.
Young Jane broke down in court, asked for forgiveness, promising not to do it again. The court showed no mercy, giving Jane one month’s hard labour.
Further licensees were:
1868 Thomas Bryan and Hannah Bryan. 1890, James Pulling. 1892, Charles Randell. 1893, John Allen. 1896, John Hayto. 1903, Edward Lane and Emily Lane.
The licence was surrendered in part exchange for new offie prior to World War I. The White Cow became a private house.
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