On the night of Friday 28th November 1834 Mr. Ward was returning from Ely on the outside of the Nelson day coach, when his hat blew off. He elected to alight from the coach to collect his hat and proposed to walk the remainder of the journey. The coach left without him. He had only proceeded a short distance when he was assaulted by two men. Bludgeoned, he fell to the ground insensible and the assailants prepared to rob him, but they were scared away by approaching persons. Mr. Ward was conveyed home with bruises and contusions and was in a very precarious state.


For Sale by Auction 7th July 1846 - A Freehold property situated on the South Side of Stonegate Street. In occupation of Ambrose Mitchley. (Trades directory gives William Mitchley here 1846)

Saturday 2nd January 1847 - Thomas Ward, formerly of 8 Stonegate street, Lighterman and Waterman, keeping the Jolly Waterman, then of 10, Lower Shadwell, Middlesex, coffee house keeper, after that of 13 - 28 and now of 7 Albert street, Shadwell, Lodging-house Keeper, now confined for debt in the Debtor's prison in the City of London.

Mr. Curtis took on the Jolly Waterman on 3rd May 1850 at the annual rent of £12, payable half-yearly.

Given as the WATERMANS ARMS in June 1863 when Mrs. Mary Ann Gittings was accused of abusing Police-constable Softley. A counter charge was made against the policeman, in that he had abused Mr. Gittings. Both charges were dismissed, but both parties had to pay costs.

Renamed the THEATRE TAVERN in 1867