The 1881 census, shows the Rose and Crown at 145 Montague Street. Building numbers would change as new buildings were erected and older ones demolished.

Oddly, for such an old pub, there is very little in the way of known history.

1905 there is a mention of a dinner held at the Rose and Crown for the Social Benefit Club and the dinner was provided by Mr G Kidd, who may have been the landlord at that time. Notably it's mentioned as an Inn rather than a Tavern.

1987 refurnish. An interior designer was employed to turn the pub into a country-style public house without any structural changes. Apparently, it previously had a night-club look with covered windows and striped metallic wallpaper.

New Woodwork was installed, and large mirrors behind the bar to improve the feeling of space, and two pairs of patio doors lead to a paved garden.

An advert in the local press starts with the opener 'Not a fun pub - but a traditional pub that's fun'.

They were featuring David and Ann Edwards (pictured right) as the pub reopens after what would appear to be a another refit, stating 'it has undergone a complete transformation today, it feels like a traditional pub in the country - without the drive to get you there.'

The rest of the article extols the virtues of a visit and enjoying the food.

A special mention was made of Jim Beam, a resident African grey parrot.

As luck would have it, we found the parrot. July 1991.

The accompanying text reads: Jim Beam, infamous feathered friend of the Rose and Crown public house, has flown the nest.

Jim, a two year old African grey with red tail feathers, went on a fly-about on Monday after the door was left open. Owner, Mr David Edwards, has offered a £50 reward for the safe return of Jim. (phone number supplied)

We do not know if it was ever found.

April 2021 saw the departure of Dave Edwards, who died at the age of 73. He had owned and run the Rose and Crown for over 20 years.

The cortege passed the pub in front of a crowd numbering well over 100. His daughter, Victoria, said, "There were about 150 people,” she said. “It was emotional – to think that all these people came out for your dad and to see how many people’s lives he touched."
 

 Time Line

 A little bit extra

1855 - 1866 Noah Smith Lee & Jane Smith
1878 - Mrs Jane Goble
1890 - Mrs J Blann
1905 - 1910 Frederick George Blann
1915 - 1931 Alfred Avenell
1958 - Stan & Ethel Foss
1970 - 1972 John & Joan Ford
1983 - Julian & Debbie
1991 - David & Ann Edwards
2015 - Dave Edwards retired.