Letter 13

Continued from Letter 12

May 13th, 1938.

The Queen’s Head Inn, was an old house and built on the top of a slope. The Landlord, who had one daughter and two sons, was Mr. Aaron Aldred. His daughter married Tom, the eldest son of Isaac Attenborough, of the Sir John Warren Inn, in the Market Place, Aaron, the eldest son, married Sabina, third daughter of John Gregory, pit contractor, Burr Lane. Joseph married Zillah Wheeldon, from near the Toll Gate. The ‘ Flower Pot’ Public House was in Chapel Street. On the South side of East Street, was the ‘Wine Vaults, Mr. and Mrs. Bennett and their two daughter lived here. Mr. Bennett died after a short illness, and Mrs. Bennett became landlady. Her eldest daughter, Lizzie, married Mr. Francis Sudbury, who became first Mayor of Ilkeston. The young couple’s first home was in the house at the corner of East Street, and the Market Place. Later Mrs. Bennett bought a plot of land on the east side of Market Street, and built two houses on it. Mr. and Mrs. John Childs, who had retired from business, lived in the one nearest the Cricket Ground. Mr. and Mrs. F. Sudbury and family left the Market Place house, and lived in the second one.

When Mrs. Bennett retired from the ‘Wine Vaults’, she and her daughter Mary lived in Market Street, and after Mrs. Bennett’s death, Mary went to live with her sister, Mrs. F. Sudbury, who then resided at Field House.

On the north side, and standing a little back from Burr Lane was the old public house kept by Mr. Warner. He was also the maker of a salve that was very beneficial in cases of burns, or scalds.

On the north side of the Market Place was the Market Tavern. Jerry Wigley was the landlord. His two daughters carried on a Millinery and Dressmaking business. At the corner of the Market Place, and Pimlico, was the ‘King’s Head,’ landlord Mr. Woodruffe. There were no children. After Mr. Woodruffe’s death, the widow went to live with her sister, Mrs. Lowe, on Stanton Road. Mrs. Derbyshire, senior, was also her sister.

The Sir John Warren Inn was the home of the Attenboroughs. Isaac was the landlord. He had three sons, and two daughters. When Isaac died his son Isaac became landlord. William and Thomas were noted cricketers. Jane married Mr. Joseph Carrier, draper, Bath Street. Sarah became the wife of Mr. Humphrey, a solicitor in London. On the west side of South Street was the Nag’s Head. Mr. Knighton was the landlord. He died in early life, and Mrs. Knighton carried on the business. I remember three children, Sarah, Emma and Sam. When Mrs. Woodruffe left the King’s Head, Mrs. Knighton with her family removed into the house. Mrs Knighton afterwards married Charles Turton, who lived in Pimlico.

Mrs. Duro followed Mrs. Knighton as landlady of the Nag’s Head. She had two sons and three daughters. The eldest daughter married Mr. Albert Beardsley, baker, son of Mrs. Beardsley, draper, London House, Bath Street. Maria was at home, Martha became a teacher at the Girls’ Church School. The eldest son and Ezekiel were miners. The Prince of Wales opposite the U. M. Free Church, South Street, had for landlord Mr. Godber. After his death Mrs. Godber became landlady.

In White Lion Square was the ‘Travellers’ Rest,’ landlady Mrs. Bell. William was landlord after his mother’s death. The White Lion Inn was kept by Mr. Wilson and afterwards by Mr. Robert Marshall.

The Anchor Inn, Market Street, was built as a private house for Mr. H. H. Sugg. He had two sons. When Mr. H. H. Sugg left the house a licence was granted to Mr. John Goddard, son of John Goddard, Burr Lane. It became very popular with cricketers, etc., and John had a balcony added to the side of the house overlooking the Cricket Ground, where his customers could enjoy their drinks while watching the prowess of the cricketers.

There was an old Inn down Hunger Hill, but unfortunately I forget the name. The Gallows Inn was below the canal.

Continued in Letter 14