ORCHARD TAVERN - St PETER PER MOUNTERGATE

Robert Cooper successfully applied for a new licence 1st September 1857.

On Saturday 19th September 1863, Robert Cooper was charged by a constable of having had his house open for the sale of liquors at prohibited hours. The constable gave evidence that at ten minutes past midnight on the 13th September he had found two men at the bar, one with a glass of ale, the other with gin. Telling Cooper that the house should be closed, the two men eventually left, but others came in and were served.
There was a suggestion that there was animosity between the landlord and the constable. It was said that some 18 months previously the same constable had entered the house to take the name of a man who had left his horse and cart unattended.
He admitted that at that time he had a glass of beer, but was not so drunk that he could not stand as had been said by Cooper. It had also been claimed that the constable had lost his hat and fell against the door, which was burnt by his lamp.
In defence of Cooper it was said that no publican was expected not to serve a paying customer, even if he was a policeman.
Sergeant Fransham corroborated the fact that persons were seen leaving the house at twenty minutes past midnight and it was then that Cooper had informed him of the supposed events of the past.
The case was dismissed on the basis that the police-sergeant confirmed it was customary to allow a reasonable time to clear a house on a Saturday night.

Given in 1865 by White at St. Faiths Lane.

Stood on the corner of St. Johns Street, once known as Orchard Street.

Building severely damaged by enemy action 2nd December 1940.

Lacons advised the Magistrates 24th December 1940 that the house would be demolished and would not be rebuilt.

Licence surrendered 12.03.1957
(Used with that of the CITY ARMS for the SHRUB HOUSE to be upgraded to a full licence).