PICTURES: Take a look back at six historic Northampton pubs and the fascinating history behind them - including a thief sentenced to death for stealing 22 shillings
These snaps of historic Northampton pubs have been dug up from the archives by local historian Dave Knibb
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 author of 'Last Orders: A History and Directory of Northampton Pubs' - show some of Northampton's historic 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. Bull and Butcher in Bridge Street
Dave said: "In 1706, 94 Bridge Street was a private house owned by William Crann, who just happened to be a publican. By 1720 though, it was trading as a pub, known initially as the Sun, then the Old Sun. It would appear that there was a small pub next to it called the Raven, and in 1736, Joseph Williams left the Raven to take over the Sun. Joseph Cooke, who had previously run the Sun then took over the lease once again in 1737 and presumably amalgamated the two of them to become the Sun & Raven. By 1780, a Mr Young from London, a commercial traveller, was selling Indian Muslins from his temporary base in the Kings Arms, 94 Bridge Street so the pub had changed names by that time (reportedly in that year)." Photo: Dave Knibb
Dave said: "The Broadmead had been given planning permission in 1935 and the licence of the Stag’s Head in Abington Street was given up for the new licence, opening in 1936. The only thing of note I can say about it was that the landlord in 1941 was complaining that he had to shut for one day a week as the locals were drinking the beer too quickly. With the rationing of beer, the landlord was hoping that people would drink a little less so he could open for seven days a week rather than running out and having to close…if only that had been true in the 21st Century." Photo: Dave Knibb