The Northampton man has shared these nostaligic pictures from his book, 'Last Orders’, which is the story of more than 570 Northampton locals that have come and gone over the centuries and details the past life of some of the town's best known watering holes.
It includes stories from dozens of town pubs; from the crimes of Mr Septimus Killer, who was a regular at The Rifle Drum in town centre, to how The Trumpet in Weston Favell had to be pulled down and rebuilt to make a blind bend on a road safer; or how the former Bantam Cock was the last stop for prisoners on their way to be hanged on The Racecourse.
The 300-page compendium is the product of four-and-a-half years of research by Northampton historian Dave Knibb, who made a hobby of finding vintage photos of the town's pubs but soon began compiling countless facts about their history.
We asked Chronicle & Echo readers to name their favourite pubs and nominations for The Romany, Abington Park Hotel and the Crown & Cushion were among the most popular.
Philip Andrew said: "At The Romany is where I met my future wife in 1975 and we got married in 1980 and we`ve been together ever since.
"We was hopeing to celebrate our anniversary there but covid has forced it to close - so looks like that will never happen now. It might be gone but our memories carry on."
Lynda Pagano added: “I loved the Crown and Cushion back in the days of Pete and Marlene who are sadly missed but not forgotten.”
Martin O'Connell added: “My favourite would have to be The North Star back in the early 80's. Darts every Tuesday and good start to Friday and Saturday night. Good New Year's eve fancy dress parties too.
'Last Orders’ is in limited print and is available by contacting Dave himself on [email protected] or by ringing 07939 990790. Copies are priced at £17.99.
Join in the conversation over Northampton's best ever pub here.
2. Drum Lane
Rifle Drum pictured on the left and the Shipmans pub is captured on right. Photo: UGC
