PICTURES: Take a look at SIX historic Northampton pubs and the fascinating stories behind them
These snaps of historic Northampton pubs have been dug up from the archives by local historian Dave Knibb
By Logan MacLeod
Published 4th Apr 2022, 14:08 BST
Updated 4th Apr 2022, 14:53 BST
So many fondly-remembered Northampton pubs have shut their doors over the years but are still in the memories of their customers.
These photos - researched by Dave Knibb, the Northampton author of 'Last Orders: A History and Directory of Northampton Pubs' - show some of Northampton's old stomping grounds.
Dave's self-published book has sold more than 2,000 copies. Call 07939990790 or email [email protected], to buy a copy.
Dave's self-published book has sold more than 2,000 copies. Call 07939990790 or email [email protected], to buy a copy.
5. The Wellington in Albert Street
Dave said: "Also known as The Black’s Head, the pub was on the corner of Lady's Lane, first appearing in 1864. It continued under this offensive name until it was sold in February 1869 and was rechristened The Wellington. The wonderfully named Wings Of Friendship Benevolent Society regularly held meetings there in the 1870’s amongst other clubs and groups. Considering where it was, there wasn’t all that much trouble there and it survived through until the 20th Century but not too far beyond. From as early as 1904 its licence was objected to and further attempts were made over the next decade until in 1914 the council, like the mounties, got their man." Photo: Dave Knibb
Dave said: "I'm afraid this entry has to explode one of the great urban myths about Northampton. It's been printed in countless books over the years and everyone believes it as a 'fact'. But I'm afraid the White Elephant was NEVER EVER called that because of the Racecourse closing. It's all just a lovely great story, it sounds true, it seems plausible, but it isn't. The Kingsley Park Hotel was built in 1883. Because of the constant refusal of the council in granting a licence for the Hotel, the club had started to call the building the White Elephant, as it was an outsider amongst all other Hotel's in the town. From 1888, it was always known as the White Elephant in Kingsley, long before the Racecourse closed in 1904. The Kingsley Park Hotel name was revived briefly but it is now once again, and hopefully forever, the White Elephant." Photo: Logan MacLeod