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| WHITE HART - 121 MONTAGUE STREET 1838 to 1984 | |
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The White Hart. Opened on the 10th October 1838 and situated on the corner of Montague Street and New Street. The site was rebuilt and is now a modern retail unit. No trace of the original building remains. |
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Left: For many years this was
the only old picture of the White Hart we had. Thankfully Alf
Regis's father, Jack had a better one. Many pubs adopted the name White Hart (a type of deer), and was the personal badge of Richard II. It was a choice that lasted — the White Hart continues to be the fourth most common pub name in Britain. It made sense to indicate your loyalty to the reigning monarch or local lord by adopting their chosen symbol. |
| PRE OPENING PARTY - 4th OCTOBER 1838 | |
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The evening of the 4th
inst. was appointed for the meeting of Mr. James Penfold’s friends
at the new public house called the White Hart, in Montague street,
opened by him on the 10th of October – a day called
glorious by a sorry few of the once sticklers for the Beer Bill.
Accordingly the patrons of the worthy host assembled, and under the
presidency of our townsman, Mr. D. Paine, forthwith proceeded to
test the merits of the various beverages which the house afforded,
and to receive the pleasure and delight imparted by social
companions. The song and toast went round, and approving
countenances on all sides testified to the reigning good humour:
“mine host” was awarded tokens of satisfaction from the company, and
returned his “grateful acknowledgments” (as the tradesman’s bill
saith), and at length the merry meeting closed. |
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The Beer Bill referred to was the Beer house Act of 1830. Prior to this an annual meeting had to be held to grant licences for alcohol consumption on alehouse and inn premises. The 1830 act changed this by allowing any ratepayer to brew and sell beer on payment of two guineas for a licence. The idea was to encourage competition between brewers, lowering prices and hopefully steering drinkers toward beer and ale instead of strong spirits. The number of pubs hence increased dramatically. |
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Yes, that's Kenny Ball from
Kenny Ball and the Jazzmen, pictured here with Ken and Joyce
Frampton, the Landlord and Landlady. Below, two pictures of the 'Inland Revenue Boys' enjoying a pint or two. Are you there, can you name anyone? (sorry no prize, just happy memories) Special thanks to David Frampton for these pictures. |
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On October 2013, we received a kind donation of 23 photographs from a private collection by Derek Reeves, featuring the inside of the pub and the people who frequented it. |
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Are you
there? |
| Known landlord/manager | |
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1838 - James Penfold
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