This historic picture postcard features three key landmarks of Repton - the ancient cross, the school and St.Wystan's Church. The latter has a Saxon crypt, described by Nikolaus Pevsner as "one of the most precious survivals of Anglo-Saxon architecture in England." The poet-laureate Sir John Betjeman described it as "holy air encased in stone." In Saxon times the settlement was the capital of Mercia and called Hrewpandum, a variation of Repandunum which it is thought to have been known as in Roman times. The first bishop here was Diuma who was brought to Repton by Elfleda, daughter of Oswy of Northumbria, when she married Paeda, son of King Penda of Mercia. Repton Abbey was founded in the mid-7th century. The crypt was built in the early part of the 8th century and three Mercian kings were buried here, including King Aethelbald who was murdered at Seckington in 757. King Wiglaf was responsible for the improvement of both the crypt and church and, indeed, was buried here in 840. It was following the murder and internment of his grandson Wystan that the abbey became a place of pilgrimage. It was said that miracles occurred next to his tomb and he was elevated to the status of a saint. The royal family fled when the Viking armies invaded and occupied Repton in 873. The remains of Saint Wystan were removed by escaping monks and later returned before King Cnut had them removed to Evesham Abbey. The Danes destroyed the abbey though fragments were used in the reconstruction of the church in the early part of the 10th century. The outer walls of the aforementioned crypt have survived. The excavated room measures some 17 feet square and has a vaulted stone roof supported by four spirally wreathed columns with plain caps. Following the Danes sacking of the old abbey, Repton lost its status though the parish remained extensive. A motte and bailey castle was constructed in the early part of the 12th century to defend the fords across the Trent. This stronghold formed part of the defences controlled by Earl Ranulph de Blundeville of Chester. Following his death in 1153, his widow Maud, the Countess of Chester, founded an Augustinian Priory on the site of the castle by transferring the Austin Canons from Calke. The priory was located to the east of the church and, following the dissolution, was largely destroyed by Gilbert Thacker during the reign of Queen Mary. One element of the priory to survive was the guest house and this became the original home of Repton School. When Gilbert Thacker died in 1712, his daughter bequeathed the priory estate to Sir Robert Burdett. The guest house, today known as the Old Priory, was sold in 1557 to the executors of Sir John Port of Etwall. It was a condition of his will that a free school for boys would be established in the Old Priory, thus one of England's renowned educational establishments was founded. The most famous Old Reptonians are Charles Burgess Fry and Roald Dahl. Born in Croydon in 1872, Fry attended Repton between 1885 and 1891. He became one of the country's greatest sporting all-rounders, though he is best remembered for his exploits on the cricket field. Following his death in 1956, his ashes were interred at Repton Parish Church. Born in Llandaff in 1916, Roald Dahl attended Repton between 1930-4. His parents were Norwegian and named him after the polar explorer Roald Amundsen. It is thought that his blind tasting sessions for Cadbury's at the school formed the inspiration for Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. And finally, the third element of the postcard is The Cross. This is located at the centre of the village. This is the heart of medieval Repton and where markets and a summer fair was held. It was also the site of the Michaelmas statutes at which the hiring of servants was conducted.
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Licensees of the Boot Inn 1802 - Richard Somers 1841 - William Somers 1861 - Richard Roberts 1895 - Thomas Henry Sears

REPTON WAKES AND ODD FELLOWSHIP "Last Thursday night the members of the loyal William the Fourth Lodge, Repton, assembled to partake of their annual supper, at the house of their worthy V. G. Somers, Boot Inn, Repton, when brother Tabberner, one of the highly respected surgeons of the lodge presided, but having been called away on professional business, P.P.G.M. Wayte, of the Midway lodge, was called to the chair. Several officers and brothers of the Duke of Wellington, and other lodges, gave some excellent songs, and good addresses on the nature and prosperous state of odd fellowship were delivered, which were listened to with much interest. The health of the past and present district officers, the various lodges, the members of Parliament, success to the widow and orphan's fund, the board of directors, and prosperity to the Repton lodge, etc. etc. were severally proposed and drank with due honours of the order. The greatest harmony, order, and good feeling prevailed, and each retired at a late hour well pleased with the proceedings of the evening." Derby Mercury 1st June 1842 COMMITTED TO DERBY COUNTY GAOL "William Collier, charged with being in a certain piece of enclosed land, in the occupation of William Somers, of Repton, with certain engines called snares, for the purpose of destroying game, to be imprisoned in the house of correction and kept to hard labour for two calendar months, and at the expiration of thereof to find sureties that he will not so offend again for the space of one year." Derby Mercury 28th December 1853 DISTRICT NEWS "Royal Sussex Lodge of Freemasons: On Monday the ceremony of the installation of Brother E.W. Lawson [of Wirksworth], as worshipful master for the ensuing year, and the appointment of officers took place at the lodge room of the Boot Inn, Repton. There was a good attendance of the brethren present... We are glad to learn that the lodge is about to present the late Tyler with a sum of money in consequence of his advanced years, and that a good subscription was made on the above night for him by those present." Derby Mercury 23rd January 1867 THE SHOCKING DISCOVERY IN THE TRENT "On Wednesday last Mr Godfrey Moseley, district coroner, held an inquest at the Boot Inn, Repton, on the remains of a man which were found in the River Trent on Tuesday last. It appears that a labourer named William Maddock was walking along the riverside, Bull's Holme Meadow, when he saw the body of a man lying close to the bank. Information having been given to police constable Shirley he soon arrived upon the scene and found that the features were unrecognisable, as the body had evidently been in the water for some considerable time. The deceased was apparently a respectably dressed man, from 30 to 40 years of age, and nearly six feet in height. He wore a hard felt hat, and was dressed in black twill morning coat, trimmed with astrachan cuffs six inches in depth, brown striped vest, small check tweed trousers, brown and red striped cotton shirt, white collar turned down all round, white washing cotton tie, brown woollen socks and lightly laced boots with a patch on the right. He had 2s.7½d. and some other things upon him. As the body had not been identified an open verdict was returned by the jury." Derby Mercury 6th December 1893

The Boot Inn is located 'down the hill' from the village square, where Boot Hill meets Brook End. Across the other side of Brook End is the Grade I-listed ancient wall of Repton Priory. Repton Brook is at the bottom of the hill; this being the site of the old mill. It is claimed that the original Boot Inn was demolished around 1769 and a malthouse erected on the site, part of which forms the Boot Inn that has survived into the 21st century. The pub has played an important role in the history of Repton. Today, one can see the adjacent Court House, a building erected during the Edwardian period. Prior to this, legal proceedings and sessions took place inside the Boot Inn. The pub was also favoured by the local gentry and many special occasions were held at the Boot Inn. An early reference to the house is an advertisement published in 1802 in which timber was to be auctioned at the inn. Between seven and eight hundred oak trees, growing in Repton Shrubs, were to be sold. Many of these, the advert claimed, were "fit for the navy" so must have been of considerable size and antiquity. The sale perhaps reflected the rather myopic foresight of landowners of the period. Chop it down and sell it was the order of the day, rather than planned management of woodland and forests. The Somers family were in charge of the Boot Inn during this period. Richard Somers was, as suggested by the aforementioned use of the building, both a maltster and victualler. By the early 1840's William Somers was the licensee. He was recorded as a bootmaker and innkeeper. It is possible that an earlier publican was also a boot manufacturer - hence the name of the building. However, it may simply commemorate the fact that Repton once had a thriving shoemaking industry. The son of William  and Mary Somers, William was born in Repton in 1801. He married a Milton-born woman called Phoebe [Phebe] Brown in 1927 and the couple kept the Boot Inn whilst living on the premises with their six children.  An auction for a Repton grocery shop was held at the Boot Inn on November 14th 1842. Interestingly, the stock and fixtures included brewing vessels, mash tub, coolers and barrels of various sizes so it would appear that this was also an outlet for ale in addition to provisions and general groceries. Towards the end of 1853 William Collier was jailed for setting snares on the land of publican William Somers. This was probably Milton Close, a piece of pasture land that was used by the licensee of the Boot Inn. However, he was a tenant rather than a freeholder so was probably dismayed to see the Boot Inn and its various outbuildings and pieces of land put up for auction in March 1858. The advertisement for the sale described the pub as a "substantially built, commodious, and well-accustomed inn, called the Boot Inn, situate in Repton, with the capital cellarage, good stabling, and extensive and convenient outbuildings and yard, thereto belonging; together with the spacious and convenient two-story malthouse, and the kilns, cistern, grinding house, and pump, belonging thereto and adjoining to the said inn and premises; all which said premises are in the occupation of Mr William Somers, and comprise an area of 943 square yards of land or thereabouts." It would seem that the auction was unsuccessful and the house was therefore to be sold by private contract. The notice stated that the property "is now, and has been for many years past, in the occupation of Mr William Somers, a most respectable tenant, who is under notice to quit in case a purchaser should require early possession." When the pub was sold William and Phoebe Somers moved a short distance to a house in Brook End. William worked as a collector of poor rates during his later years. Phoebe died in 1863 aged 66. It was when he reached this age in 1867 that William Somers passed on. He was succeeded at the Boot Inn by Richard Roberts but whether he was the owner and licensee is not clear. In the 1861 census the 36 year-old was recorded as an innkeeper and cordwainer so the tradition of shoemaking was kept alive at the Boot Inn. Indeed, he was employing two men who lodged at the pub whilst working as cordwainers. Richard Roberts kept he pub with his wife Frances. The couple carried on where the Somers family left off and hosted a wide range of events and societies. The building maintained a lodge room for meetings. Frances Roberts died, aged 50, on January 20th 1869. The publican re-married to Mary Foster who hailed from Ripley. He was a widower again when she also died in June 1880. The couple did have four children during the 1870's. Another notable auction held at the Boot Inn during 1877 was for the nearby Mount Pleasant Inn and brewery. Richard Roberts found himself in a spot of trouble in 1892 when, following an inspection by the Rural Sanitary Authority, it was reported that "a well-founded complaint had been made of a foul cellar at the Boot Inn, Repton, caused by the backing-up of sewage. The inspector had called attention to this last year but nothing had yet been done to improve the public drainage." This was at a time when outbreaks of typhoid fever was affecting parts of Derbyshire, particularly at Castle Gresley so Richard Roberts would have had some explaining to do. By this time the pub was being operated by Salt's brewery in Burton-on-Trent. They were acquired by Bass, Ratcliff & Gretton empire in 1927; the legacy of this takeover can be seen in this photograph. By the turn of the century Thomas and Annie Sears were running the Boot Inn. Born in Clay Cross around 1869, Thomas was the son of a shoe manufacturer. His wife Annie hailed from Mansfield in Nottinghamshire. Thomas Sears was still the licensee in charge during the early reign of King George V. In a guide to Derbyshire's pubs, John Merrill wrote that "the landlord between 1938-1943 was a Mr Pearson who committed suicide by gassing himself in the kitchen" of the Boot Inn.
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Licensees of the Bull's Head Inn 1822 - Matthew Marples 1841 - John Marshall 1855 - John Marshall 1870 - John Butler 1871 - Thomas Brownson 1895 - Thomas Brownson 1912 - Charles Buckler

FATAL ACCIDENT "Yesterday about one o'clock, a fine boy between 4 and 5 years of age, the son of Mr Matthew Marples, of Repton, was knocked down and killed on the spot, by a carriage as it drove down St Peter's Street in Derby. A servant in attendance upon the child, had stepped across the road to bring water from the pump, and had left it at the door of the Anchor public house, where it was on a visit. Having unexpectedly followed the maid, it met with the accident stated above. Though we understand that there is no blame imputable to the driver of the Gentleman's carriage which occasioned this melancholy occurrence, yet we have lately witnessed so many instances of rapid travelling through our streets, that we again call the public attention to the evil, increased as it now is, by the fine condition of the roads. The public carriages are moderate in their speed, compared with the rate at which the equipages of the gentry and nobility are frequently driven, and it is much to be regretted that the owners do not lay the strictest injunction on their coachmen, not to urge on their horses in the midst of a crowded population, to the manifest danger of the lives of the inhabitants. The thoughtlessness of childhood and the infirmity of the age ought not to be subjected to accidents which would be prevented by a little more caution. If the good feeling of such persons as we are alluding to should not be strong enough to abate the nuisance of which we complain, it will be imperative on the part of the police to interfere. We have just heard that a coroner's inquest has been held over the body, and after a mature consideration of the circumstances, have returned a verdict of accidental death." Derby Mercury 1st August 1827 BULL'S HEAD INN REPTON IN DERBY "To be let, the above well accustomed inn, which is a most excellent sashed house [newly built] three stories high, with good garden and orchard, and every suitable convenience for carrying on an extensive business, as well as stabling sufficient for 20 horses, sheds, piggeries, etc. There is a Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows held at the above inn, at which 70 or 80 members dine annually, besides holding regular meetings, which are held once a fortnight. Also, to be let, the butchering business, with new butcher's shop, slaughter, and fasting house [all on the same premises] together with all necessary implements for carrying on the business of butcher on an extensive scale. The tenant may also be accommodated with about ten acres of fine old turf land, on which is erected a good barn at a short distance from the house. The above will be found a most advantageous opportunity for any person desirous of embarking in the above trades, both which are old and well established, and the rent moderate. Immediate possession may be had, and for further particulars apply to Mrs Marples, Bull's Head Inn, Repton." Derby Mercury 3rd February 1841 DISTRICT CELEBRATIONS "Mr William Goodall, of Milton, very generously gave a fine sheep, which, aided by a public subscription, enabled all the poor men of the parish to dine together. A quart of ale was given to each man, and the women were afterwards entertained at tea, which was flavoured with Jamaican cream. The children were also regaled with tea, and enjoyed themselves with a variety of games. Mr James Marples, of Ridgway, also gave a fine fat sheep, which was roasted at the Bull's Head Inn, where an invitation party sat down to enjoy it. Mr Prince presided, and Mr Mathers of Loscoe, occupied the vice-chair, both gentlemen discharging their duties with courtesy and good feeling. The usual loyal toasts were appropriately proposed and enthusiastically responded to, and the jovial party heartily enjoyed themselves during the evening. The generosity of Mr Goodall and Mr Marples justify and especial and cordial recognition." Derby Mercury 18th March 1863 ODD FELLOWS OF THE MIDWAY DISTRICT "On Tuesday, the 18th April, the anniversary of the The Loyal William the 4th Lodge, was held at Mr Marshall's, Bull's Head Inn, Repton, when there was a large assembly of members present, together with some of the neighbouring gentry. It is but justice to say the dinner was first rate, and did great credit to the Host and Hostess. Mr Tabberer and Mr Hutchinson, surgeons to the institution, occupied the chairs; but on the arrival of that talented officer, Mr Brunt, the chair was filled by him, supported by Messrs Tabberer and Dawson. The loyal and patriotic toasts usual on such occasions were drunk with great satisfaction. The chairman proposed in a neat and appropriate speech 'Prosperity to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,' which was followed by 'Our visiting friends who have this day so kindly honoured us with their company.' The chairman said the next toast was one he was sure would give great satisfaction: it was the health of that highly respected and distinguished officer the C. S. of the District. They were all well aware he had done more for the promotion of odd fellowship in the district, than any other person. In the most pleasing and gentlemanly manner did he perform everything he could for their advantage, and a warmer advocate for the 'widow and orphan' could not be found amongst them. He [Mr Brunt] was happy to say that he was held in as high estimation for his manly virtues and good qualities in private life. Without any more comment he would propose 'the health of Mr T. Buckley, C. S. of the District, with three times three." Mr Buckley returned thanks in a very able speech at some length, and concluded by proposing 'The tree of odd fellowship, and may the widow and orphan always find a shelter from the storm of adversity beneath its branches' [Great applause]. The next toast was 'C.R. Colville, Esq, M.P.' The toasts and songs then followed in quick succession, among which were, "The Duke of Wellington;" "Sir George Crewe, Bart.;" "A.N.E. Mosley, Esq.;" "The Earl of Chesterfield;" and "The Worthies of Repton;" in neat and appropriate speeches. The company parted greatly pleased with the day's proceedings." Derby Mercury 26th April 1843 COMMITTED TO DERBY COUNTY GAOL "Thomas Meakin, of Repton, charged with stealing three gallons of gin, the property of John Marshall." Derby Mercury 17th July 1844 ROBBING A MASTER AT REPTON "Mary Pepper, a domestic servant, 16 years of age, and hailing from Appleby, in Westmorland, was charged with stealing a pair of stockings, two pairs of gloves, a veil, a piece of silk, some bead trimming, and £3.10s.0d. in money, the property of her master, Thomas Brownson, of the Bull's Head Inn, Repton. Ann Brownson, wife of the prosecutor, said lately she had missed money from a drawer in her bedroom, and also from the till in the bar. She had also missed other things. On the night of 28th January they had a ball at their house, and on the following morning she missed money from the till. Prisoner had been in the bar with her [witness's] niece during the night. She gave information to the police, and also charged the girl with stealing £2.10s.0d. She stated that the money had been sent in a registered letter. As she was about to search prisoner's box she said she should have the money and all her wages if she would not say anything. The articles produced were witness's property. She had bought prisoner clothes since she entered her service, but had given her no money. Annie Elizabeth Brownson, niece of the last witness, who was in charge of the bar on the night of the 28th, stated that she was obliged to leave it several times to wait upon the company in the ballroom. On going away she locked the till and hung the key up, Prisoner had access to the bar. Lizzie Thorpe, a married woman, who keeps a shop at Repton, stated that on the 29th prisoner called at her shop and bought things to the value of 14s.8d. and left 30s.1d. for things ordered and ten shillings to be forwarded to her mother. Police constable Cholerton was called in on the 30th and, on questioning the prisoner she began to cry, and threw £1.4s.8½d. across the table, saying if Mrs Brownson would say nothing more about it she should have all her wages. On searching her box the articles produced were found. He had since seen her brother John at Nottingham, who stated that he had not sent her any money. Prisoner eventually pleaded guilty to the court, and the Bench wishing, considering the girl's circumstances, to deal leniently with her, ordered her to enter into her own recognizance's of £10 to come up for judgment when called upon." Derby Mercury 11th February 1885 REFUSING TO QUIT "William Cook was charged with being quarrelsome and refusing to quit the Bull's Head Inn, Repton, when requested to do so. The defendant did not appear, his sister, who was present, stating that he had left home to try and get employment, and they were daily expecting him back. Police constable Cholerton said that he went to the inn on the night in question and he saw the defendant behaving very abusively with his face covered in blood. Fined five shillings and costs." Derby Mercury 25th February 1885

The Bull's Head Inn is located on the western side of High Street, a thoroughfare that was also known as Long Street. The pub almost certainly got its name because the premises were used as a slaughterhouse, butchery and public house, quite a common combination in many places where meat and beer seemed to go hand-in-hand. In 1828 Matthew Marples was listed as a butcher and victualler at the Bull's Head Inn. In addition to processing animals here, Matthew Marples also auctioned his livestock in what is today's car park. He was quite a successful farmer and bred cattle, sheep and pigs. Many auctions for property and land were also held at the Bull's Head Inn. For example, in May 1835 three lots of land were sold at the pub, including Winshill Balk Close, Upper Middle Close and Black Sitch, all in the occupation of the farmer John Goodall. Matthew Marples kept the busy Bull's Head with his wife Ellen. The couple suffered the tragic loss of their son in 1827 when he accompanied him on a trip into Derby with his father. The young lad ran across the road to assist a maid obtain water but was run over by a horse and carriage, killing him instantaneously. Matthew Marples was a well-liked figure in Repton and the local area. When he died in October 1840 the Derby Mercury reported that "after a short illness which he bore with patience and resignation, in the 61st year of his age, Mr Matthew Marple, of the Bull's Head Inn, well known as a grazier and feeder of fat cattle. He was a beloved husband, an affectionate father, and highly respected by all who knew him." His wife Ellen decided not to continue on her own at the Bull's Head and the pub was advertised in the local papers. This proves valuable in dating the building because the advertisement stated that the pub was newly built, suggesting it was a replacement of an older establishment. The Bull's Head was described as having stabling sufficient for 20 horses, with sheds and piggeries. Some of these outbuildings remained until relatively recent times when they were demolished to create a larger car park. The new incumbent was 35 year-old John Marshall who moved into the property with his wife Ann. The couple hired three servants suggesting that it was a busy house. On leaving the Bull's Head Inn, widow Ellen Marples moved to a property called The Ridgeway where she operated a dairy and farmed some 130 acres with the help of her brother-in-law and son, both named James. The family kept their links with the Bull's Head Inn. They provided a sheep to be roasted at the pub for a party held to celebrate the Royal Wedding of Prince Edward and Alexandra of Denmark. James Marples also owned the Mount Pleasant Inn at Mill Hill, a beer house sold by auction at the Bull's Head Inn following his death. John and Ann Marshall were capable hosts and the Bull's Head Inn was favoured by the local gentry and the Oddfellows' Friendly Society, a charitable organisation established in 1810. A market gardener and, later a wine and spirits merchant, John Marshall was a local man but his wife hailed from the Shropshire town of Oswestry. In 1855 John Marshall was recorded as a postmaster, with the Bull's Head Inn acting as the posting house for Repton. Following the death of his wife, he was assisted by his older sister Hannah. His brother Henry utilised some of the outbuildings to establish a clog-making business. The licence of the Bull's Head Inn was held for a short period by John Butler, who also traded as a wine and spirits merchant. By 1871 the publican in charge was tenant Thomas Brownson. He remained at the Bull's Head Inn despite the freehold being sold in November 1877. The advertisement for the pub described it as "all that old established public house, well known as the Bull's Head Inn, situate in the main street of Repton, together with the garden and orchard occupied therewith, in the occupation of Mr Thomas Brownson." The building was described as containing a "spacious entrance bar and small bar, smoke room, tap room, parlour, larder, kitchen, brewhouse, on the ground floor; spacious club room, sitting room, and three bedrooms, on the second floor: and six bedrooms and five attics, on the third floor." The sale also included the old butcher's shop and slaughter house which was occupied by Mr Thomas Brown - not to be confused with the pub's licensee Thomas Brownson. The publican was born in the village of Marston Montgomery around 1830 whilst his wife Ann hailed from Stapenhill. Their daughter Alice worked in the pub as a barmaid whilst their son, John, operated a small business as an ironmonger. Thomas and Ann Brownson had earlier operated a small farm in the village of Parwich. The couple were still running the Bull's Head in 1901 when they were both 72 years of age. By this time daughter Alice had married Henry Lawley who traded as a butcher from the adjoining buildings. Along with the Boot Inn, the Bull's Head Inn was used for the Repton Petty Sessions until the court house was built in Brook End.
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Licensees of the Mitre Inn 1822 - Joseph Bradbury 1851 - Richard Gibson 1871 - Richard Marbrow Ward 1881 - Lizzie Ward 1891 - Selina Charlotte Ward

BRIDGE AT WILLINGTON "We feel highly gratified at the information communicated in this page of our paper, as to this measure. There now seems to be no doubt that the lives of persons will be no longer put in jeopardy when crossing the River Trent at the Ford and Ferry. At the highly respectable meeting assembled at the Mitre Inn, Repton, on Monday last, Sir George Crewe, Baronet, presided, and a Committee was formed with all requisite powers to enter into contracts etc. for the proposed bridge. In the list of persons who make investments in shares, we observe the names of the Earl of Chesterfield, Sir Roger Greisley, Baronet, Sir Oswald Mosley, Baronet, and Sir Henry Every, Baronet, and the sums agreed to be invested already amount to £5,000. This we have no doubt will, in a very short time be increased to the full extent of money required. We understand the new line of road will be a continuance of that next the Church at Willington, to the road next the Church at Repton. The Report of the Committee stated, that an offer had been made by Civil Engineers of London, to throw one arch over the river at Willington - about 160 feet wide - for £3,000, including the foundations and buttresses. Mr Trubshaw, the eminent engineer, the designer and builder of the splendid new bridge at Chester, the Walton new bridge etc. detailed the particulars of the plan proposed by him for a stone bridge supported by piers, and his, the before mentioned line of road, and stated that he would undertake to complete the bridge, approaches and new road, for a sum under £8,000. No plan was adopted, the subject being referred to the committee. The thanks of the meeting were voted to Samuel Fox, Esq. and the other gentlemen of the committee, for having brought the labours entrusted to them for execution, to so fortunate a conclusion. And after the thanks of the meeting had been voted to Sir George Crewe, Baronet, it was dissolved, every person seeming satisfied, that the undertaking would be speedily completed." Derby Mercury 19th November 1834 REPTON AND GRESLEY YEOMANRY CAVALRY BALL "This ball was held at the Mitre Inn, Repton, on Tuesday evening [last week]. There were about 80 present, including the worthy Captain of the troop and his lady. Dancing commenced about eight o'clock, was was kept up with great spirit till an early hour the next morning. The supper, provided by Mr Gibson, was highly commended, and the decorations of the room were, with the assistance of gas - for the first time used - excellent. Mr Allen's band was in attendance and gave great satisfaction." Derby Mercury 21st January 1857 THEFT OF WHISKEY AT REPTON "Henry Boden and Thomas Laylor, both labourers, were charged with stealing a half pint of Scotch whiskey, the property of Lizzie Ward, Mitre Inn, Repton on the 19th April. Boden was caught at the spirit keg, and seen drinking whiskey from a pewter measure. They both became helplessly drunk, and had to be taken to the police station in a wheelbarrow. Laylor was discharged, there being no direct evidence against him, but Boden pleaded guilty, and was sent to prison for 14 days." Derby Mercury 28th April 1886

Like many buildings in the village, the old Mitre Inn is now used by Repton School. They have also utilised Cross House [facing the Mitre] for accommodation for boarders. How much of the old Mitre remains is of course open to conjecture. This is a very solid building with a fine combination of brick and stone and I would guess that it is of 1870-80. An inn sign featuring the Mitre is usually a reference to the deeply cleft hat having two pointed arches that is worn by bishops and some abbots. The Mitre has been used as an inn sign since the fifteenth century and is more commonly found in cathedral towns. However, the rich history of Repton's abbey and church begged such an inn sign in this village. It is perhaps surprising that such a relatively small settlement should have three important inns such as the Boot Inn, Bull's Head and the Mitre Inn. Most small towns and villages could generally only boast one place that was favoured by the local gentry and dignitaries, but here in Repton three houses were able to offer facilities that contented the upper social circles of the time. The Mitre Inn staged concerts in the late 18th and early 19th century. On such occasions the leader of the band was Mr Baker, formerly of Oxford, who generally staged an additional solo concerto. In 1801 an advertisement for such an event included works by Bach and Handel. This was followed by a ball in the Mitre Inn's function suite. Tickets were available from C. Flint and also Mr Roome, a bookseller in Derby. As can be seen in this photograph, The Cross was outside the Mitre Inn and it was from here that many goods were traded at a regular market. It was also the site of the Michaelmas statutes at which the hiring of servants was conducted. Like the Boot Inn and Bull's Head, many auctions for land and property were held at the Mitre Inn. One such sale was held in 1823 following the death of William Hanson. On November 24th the auctioneer, Mr Harris, sold the cottage of the deceased along with the garden, orchard and croft of land adjoining. The licensee at the Mitre Inn at this time was Joseph Bradbury who also traded as a maltster. A meeting presided by Sir George Crewe was held at the Mitre Inn during November 1834 in which a committee was formed to execute the construction of a new bridge at Willington. This was an important piece of infrastructure for the people of Repton who had sometimes been at risk whilst using the ford and ferry. The announcement of the death of Mr Job Clark in March 1842 provides a clue to an early publican of Repton, It was stated that he was formerly of the Mitre Inn at Repton. He died at Boylstone in Nottinghamshire, aged 91. The hosts of the Mitre Inn during the mid-19th century were Richard and Dorothy Gibson. Born in the Northamptonshire village of Geddintgon around 1819, Richard Gibson also farmed some 23 acres of land, possibly related to the malting business. Dorothy Gibson was a local woman. The couple employed a mini-army to run the Mitre Inn, including domestic servants, an ostler, saddler, and agricultural labourers. For a number of years the Mitre Inn was the venue for the Repton and Gresley Yeomanry Cavalry Ball. These were immoderate events that, for the unmarried women of the locality, were not to be missed. The Gibson seemingly elected to move on toward the end of 1861 as the Mitre Inn was available To Let. An advertisement affords a glimpse of the place at this time: "the old established, well accustomed, and commodious inn, known as the Mitre, Repton, with the spacious assembly room, 64 feet in length; a six-quarter Malt Office; a convenient brewhouse, and excellent cellarage and offices thereunto belonging. Also, the stabling, comprising four loose boxes, a three-stall stable, and a large stable not divided, together with a cowhouse, piggeries, cart house, yard and excellent garden." The property had recently been sold so perhaps the situation had changed for the Gibson family. Richard Marbrow Ward and his wife Mary were the occupiers of the Mitre Inn during the 1870's. Local directories and the census seem to indicate that they concentrated on farming. However, when a petition for the liquidation of the affairs of Richard Marbrow Ward was placed on the file of the County Court of Staffordshire in December 1879, he was recorded as a licensed victualler and farmer. The liabilities were estimated at £2,500 and assets of about £1,000. Mr E. Belfield, of Full Street, Derby, was appointed receiver pending the first meeting of creditors. In February 1880 a sale of the family's possessions was held at the Mitre Hotel as it was then known. The sale included "the whole of the live and dead farm stock, 10 acres growing osiers, corn, dairy utensils, household furniture, and other effects, comprising in part: 4 horses, 5 calves, 2 stirks, 15 couple of fowls, 10 geese, farming implements, 4 heavy carts, spring cart, 4 large waggons, the contents of eight bedrooms, tap-room, bar, sitting rooms, two kitchens, scullery etc. Also a fine-toned 7-octave cottage piano-forte, in walnut frame, and 3 sewing machines [by Wilcox and Gibbs] and numerous other valuable requisites." It must have been a sombre scene witnessing the stripping of the old Mitre Inn. This must have been the time that the school took over the building; in the 1881 census Mitre House - as it was recorded - was occupied by a schoolmaster, scholars, matron, nurse and a parlour maid. The schoolmaster was Gibraltar-born Arthur Forman who lived here with his wife locally-born wife Eleanor. Part of the building must still have been devoted to a pub of some sort because, in 1886, a newspaper article appeared in the Derby Mercury in which two men were charged with stealing whiskey, the property of Lizzie Ward of the Mitre Inn. She was the daughter of Richard and Mary Ward so some form of arrangement must have been reached in order to keep the Mitre going. Another member of the family made the news in 1891 when Selina Charlotte Ward was sued by the Derby Brewery Company in July 1891 for the sum of £160. She had opened an account with the brewery but was soon unable to pay the full amount owed. Consequently, the brewery advanced her and her husband £200 on security - a practice not unknown with breweries keen to tie a house to their product. Her husband, an uncertified bankrupt, placed an order with the brewery and claimed he was not liable as his wife held the licence. It all sounds as though the Ward's were rather fallacious in their business dealings. No doubt the writing was on the wall for the Mitre Inn, a once proud Repton establishment.
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Licensees of the Mount Pleasant 1835 - William Pountain 1851 - Frederick Pountain 1866 - Richard Gibson 1870 - Joseph Dalby 1884 - Richard Sarson 1912 - Mrs Mary Sarson

THEFT AT MOUNT PLEASANT "James Dolman, 32, charged with having, on the 2nd day of December, at the parish of Repton, feloniously stolen from the dwelling house of William Pountain, one pair of shoes, and other articles, his property. Susannah Pountain, wife of William Pountain, who keeps a beer shop - on 2nd of December prisoner and another came for a pint of ale; they came about eleven in the forenoon and left about two; missed a pepper box and a pair of shoes of her husband's, and sent for the constable. Richard Sarson, constable, searched the lodgings of Dolman on the night of 2nd December, and found a pepper box in his coat pocket, and a pair of shoes below the bed; he was in bed; Pountain identified both the box and the shoes. Thomas Ashmole had ale with the prisoner, at Pountain's on 2nd December; saw Dolman take a pepper box from a shelf, and on the road home he showed witness the shoes produced. Guilty. Two months imprisonment." Derby Mercury 8th January 1845

This pub was still trading in 2009 but, sadly for me, was closed when I cycled through the lanes on the way to Milton. The pub is located on what was known as Mill Hill, a short distance from Ridgeway Farm. The name is rather self-explanatory as the pub is on the elevation above both Repton and Milton. I cycled up a hill from Repton to get to the pub and then rolled down to Milton to the Swan Inn. The Mount Pleasant was trading as a beer house by 1835 when it was recorded in Pigot's trade directory. William and Susannah Pountain were mine hosts. Susannah Pountain was born in Rolleston around 1790 but William was a local man. They lived on the property with their sons Frederick and Thomas. Additional income was earned by taking in lodgers. Down at the stream, the mill was being operated by Thomas Jackson, a corn miller by trade. There was an incident at the Mount Pleasant Inn during 1844 which resulted in the pub being mentioned in the local press. James Dolman was jailed for the theft of items belonging to William Pountain whilst he was drinking in the house with Thomas Ashmole. William Pountain died in 1851, aged 65. Susannah remained as the head of the household but son Frederick took over the licence of the Mount Pleasant Inn. In January 1866 the pub was sold at an auction held at the Bull's Head. The sale notice reveals that, whilst the pub was occupied by Richard Gibson, a nearby 10 quarter malthouse was run by Charles Brentnall. Lot 2 of the auction comprised of nine houses at Mount Pleasant that were in the occupations of John Asbury, John Bull, Richard Adams, Henry Palmer, James Smithard, George Thompson and Charles Wheatcroft. I mention them by name as these are the people who were probably the regular customers of the Mount Pleasant Inn. By 1870 Joseph and Elizabeth Dalby were running the Mount Pleasant Inn. The couple moved the short distance from Repton's Long Street where Joseph traded as a joiner. Indeed, he remained in this trade whilst running the Mount Pleasant Inn with his wife. Elizabeth was Repton born-and-bred but Joseph hailed from Camberwell in Middlesex. By the time they were at the pub their daughter Fanny had moved on but their other children, Sarah, Mary, Barbara and Joseph lived on the premises. The freehold of the pub was sold again in the Summer of 1877. With the adjoining eleven quarter malthouse, the property realised £830.0s.0d. The purchaser was James Marples of the nearby Ridgeway Farm. The Marples family were once in charge of the Bull's Head Inn. The continuing inclusion of the eleven quarter malthouse suggests that the Mount Pleasant remained a homebrew house throughout the mid-19th century. Joseph Dalby remained at the pub as a widower but was helped by his daughters Fanny and Barbara. Joseph himself died in 1889. He had by this time quite the Mount Pleasant Inn. Richard Sarson took over the licence in 1884. He managed to hang on to his licence in the following year's sessions despite being hauled in front of the magistrates for an offence. Like Joseph Dalby, locally-born Richard Sarson was also a joiner by trade. He kept the Mount Pleasant with his wife Mary. The couple remained for the remainder of the century and Mary continued as publican following her husband's death. It was following the death of owner James Marples in 1889 that the Mount Pleasant was back on the market. The auction for the pub was once again held at the Bull's Head Inn. The pub was one of a number of properties being sold as James Marples had accumulated quite an estate during his lifetime. Bidding was "very spirited, in many cases reaching considerably over the reserves." Brookdale Farm was sold for £1,575.0s.0d. The auction for a house called Springfield occupied by John Collier opened at £400 but was quickly ramped up to £1,290.0s.0d. A newspaper article reported that Lot 5 "the beer house known as Mount Pleasant Inn, with malt kilns and grounds, nine cottages and plot of land known as First Field, containing altogether 3a.1r.11p., and producing a gross rental of £97.0s.0d. started at £1,000 and rapidly advanced to £1,500 when it was put on sale and, after five further biddings were registered, the auctioneer declared Mr Thomas Brown the purchaser at £1,565.0s.0d. Thomas Brown still had sufficient funds left to buy three cottages in Repton's High Street. The rental of £97 for the pub and cottages at Mount Pleasant represented a return of over six per cent per annum on the capital for Thomas Brown.
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Licensees of the New Inn 1851 - John Watts 1876 - Elizabeth Watts 1884 - Samuel Watts 1912 - William Anthony Pett

FATAL FALL "One of the oldest inhabitants of Repton, Mrs Elizabeth Watts, Proprietoress of the New Inn, died very suddenly on Friday last. She had complained of the tic for several days before, but otherwise had been in her usual state of health. After resting in the parlour on Friday afternoon Mrs Watts proceeded upstairs, but had only ascended three or four steps when her nephew, Mr Samuel Watts, heard a fall, and running to the bottom of the stairs found deceased lying face downwards with a pool of blood near her. She was then alive, and assistance was immediately procured, but Mrs Watts died almost immediately. The deceased lady was 84 years of age, but very active for her years, and she was highly respected throughout the village. She was under medical attendance in May last, and as Dr Cronk has been able to give a certificate as to the cause of her death the Coroner has decided that no inquest need be held." Derby Mercury 27th August 1884

Converted into a private residence, the building of the New Inn has survived. The pub's location was at the Park End of Long Street - beyond the square on the road to Hartshorne. This made it somewhat isolated from the rest of the village's pubs but probably maintained a good deal of loyalty from those living in this part of Repton. The Watts family kept the pub in the 19th century. Born in Ashover around 1815, John Watts was recorded as a master stone mason and innkeeper of the New Inn. He employed one man and an apprentice in the former part of the business. His locally-born wife Elizabeth was probably in charge of the pub for much of the time whilst the men worked in the back yard. The couple employed Hannah Dolman as a servant in the early days at the New Inn. The Watts added a grocery shop to the New Inn and this became a lasting element of their business. The beers sold in the New Inn and at the shop were homebrewed. When John and Elizabeth Watts were advancing in years they brought in nephew Samuel as a brewer. Mary Ward helped with general duties around the house and the couple took in lodgers to supplement their income. John Watts died in June 1876, aged 60. Elizabeth Watts took over as the licensed victualler and was running the pub in her 80's with the help of Samuel who continued to brew the ales, whilst Hartshorne-born Mary Ball was hired as a general servant. There was a division of labour within the Watts family at some point because the shop was being run by Lucy Watts in the late 1870's. Following the sudden death of Elizabeth Watts in 1884, Samuel Watts took over as licensee of the New Inn. Miss Annie Watts, daughter of Lucy Watts, was still running the grocery shop in the reign of King George V.
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Licensees of the Red Lion Inn 1851 - Thomas Parker 1861 - Edward Harrison 1868 - Samuel Smithard 1874 - George Rowland 1895 - Louisa Rowland

SAMUEL SMITHARD vs GEORGE PALING "The claimant is an innkeeper and blacksmith at Repton, and the defendant butler in the service of Rev. James Gould, one of the masters of Repton School, and the plaint was entered to recover £5 for wilful and malicious injury to a greyhound, in October last. Mr Wilson appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr Jennings for the defendant. The allegation on the part of the plaintiff was that through the imperfect state of the doors leading from the street to Mr Gould's premises, his dogs at different times gained admission thereto, and that on the date in question "Mandrake," four years old, was driven from his master's yard by the defendant, who broke its leg and permanently injured it. Prior to that time the dog was worth more that £10 and had run for a 30 shillings stake at a Burton meeting, but it was now spoilt for running, and only fit for stud purposes. Since the occurrence the defendant had expressed his regret for what had happened, and the doors opening into Mr Gould's yard had since been repaired. On the other hand it was stated that, notwithstanding the fact that Mr Gould's premises were surrounded by an 8ft. wall, and that the doors mentioned were of a similar height and surmounted by spiked rollers, the rev. gentleman and his household had been much annoyed and pestered by the plaintiff's dogs during the last four years; and indeed the nuisance became so intolerable that in July last notice was given to the plaintiff to keep his dogs up, or means would be used to compel him to do so. On one occasion one of the plaintiff's dogs was seen leaving Mr Gould's larder with a sponge cake in his mouth. A partridge, piece of ham, and other eatables had also been missed from the same place; in fact the dogs had even ventured as far as the front kitchen, where one had been caught on the centre table, and on that [Wednesday] morning the defendant met with one of them in his bedroom. The defendant answered the Court that he had no wilful intention to injure the dog, for when the threw at it he did it to frighten it off the premises. The Judge held that the dog was a trespasser after notice, and the defendant did not use any more that ordinary violence in driving it off his master's property. Judgement for the defendant, without costs." Derby Mercury 21st February 1872 STEALING CIGARS "Robert Cuthbert, cab driver, of Burton, a native of Ipswich, was charged with stealing 25 cigars, value 4s.2d., the property of George Rowland, landlord of the Red Lion, Repton, on the 30th March. On the day named prisoner drove two gentleman to Repton. He put up at the Red Lion, and had dinner there. After dinner he sat in the room occupied by the family, and smoked a cigar which was served to him from a box which contained three bundles of 25 each, tied round with yellow tape. He was left alone in the room for about an hour, and after he had gone the landlord missed one of the bundles of cigars. He gave information to Police constable Cholerton, who went to Burton and arrested the prisoner. On the way to Repton prisoner practically admitted the offence, saying he did not know what possessed him to do it. On him was found the yellow tape with which the cigars had been tied. He now pleaded guilty, and had nothing to say in his defence. Colonel Mosley said they would not impose on him the degradation of imprisonment, if he could pay a fine of two shillings with costs." Derby Mercury 6th April 1881 A REPTON CASE "Thomas Howell, charged with stealing a towel from the Red Lion Hotel, Repton, was remanded until the Repton Sessions on the 29th September 1886." Derby Mercury 22nd September 1886 DRUNK ON LICENSED PREMISES "John Bates, aged 50, labourer, of Church Gresley, was charged by police constable Shirley with being drunk on the licensed premises of George Rowland, of the Red Lion, at Repton, on the 15th November. Defendant did not appear. The officer stated that on the afternoon on the 15th November he was sent for to the Red Lion Inn. There he found the defendant, who was very drunk. The landlord said that he had not served the man with drink, and he did not know how he had got into the house. Fined ten shillings and costs." Derby Mercury 2nd December 1891

This is a lovely old photograph of the Red Lion Inn taken when George Rowland was the licensee. There is a very nice painted sign of a lion on the frontage. The exterior of the building has changed very little since this photograph. Bay windows have been added on the ground floor, along with a porch entrance. Essentially however, the building looks pretty much the same. The Red Lion Inn started life as a beer house and was later notable as a combined pub and blacksmith's business operating close to The Cross at the centre of the village. Located a few yards along the road towards Newton Solney and Burton-on-Trent, the smithy was the last chance for travellers to have their horses tended before making the journey along the Burton Road or, indeed, may have been a welcome sight for those arriving from the south with a dodgy horseshoe or wobbly waggon wheel. Other business would have been gained from the pub's close proximity to the market where livestock was traded in addition to offering services to local farmers. In the early 1850's however, the Red Lion Inn was simply a place to drink. Agricultural labourer Thomas Parker was the licensee. Born locally around 1810, he kept the Red Lion Inn with his wife Frances who hailed from Rolleston-on-Dove. Indeed, the couple later moved to Rolleston where they kept a farm and traded in osiers. By 1861 the Red Lion Inn was being run by 42 year-old Edward Harrison and his wife Jane. One year older than her husband, she was a local lass but Edward had moved to the village from Derby. The blacksmith's shop became a key part of the business with the arrival of Samuel Smithard. The son of Thomas Smithard and Martha Wheatcroft, Samuel was born in Repton in 1828. He spent much of his early life living at Mill Hill near the Mount Pleasant Inn. A blacksmith for much of his working days, he moved to the Red Lion Inn during the 1860's and was assisted in the smithy by his nephew Richard Smithard. Another young nephew named Andrew also lived at the pub whilst doing odd jobs between school hours. The Smithard's took in lodgers to supplement the household income. They were tenants but the freehold changed during their time at the pub. It was sold on April 22nd 1873 and described as "all that public house called the Red Lion Inn, situate near to the Cross at Repton, now in the occupation of Mr Samuel Smithard, with the Blacksmith's Shop, Stabling, Out-Offices, and Garden thereto; the site of the whole contains about a third of an acre." Working as a blacksmith was hard enough; taking on a beer house only made the hours longer. We can only speculate whether Samuel Smithard found it all a bit much but he died within a few years of taking over at the Red Lion Inn. He was succeeded by George Rowland who was also a blacksmith, though he had the advantage of a wife and large family to help with the running of the household. In addition, he hired Elizabeth Bull as a general servant. With Louisa Rowland looking after the customers during the day, George branched out into farming; by the early 1880's he was managing 30 acres of land. The couple lived at the Red Lion Inn with Thomas, son from a previous marriage to Elizabeth Kay, and George and Bertha from his marriage to Louisa; eleven years younger, she originated from nearby Melbourne. Looking back on George Rowland's career was interesting because it showed that, whilst living with his parents, Thomas and Sarah Rowland, at a cottage close to the square on Long Street, he had worked as a brewer's labourer. This was possibly at the nearby Bull's Head Inn. The experience here held in him good stead should he have produced homebrewed ales at the Red Lion Inn, though there is no empirical evidence of this activity. George Rowland died in 1894 and the licence of the Red Lion Inn passed to his wife Louisa. The date of the above photograph therefore is probably the early 1890's. As landlady and farmer, Louisa was helped by her son Frank and daughter Sarah. She also employed Winshill-born Martha Bentley as a domestic servant.
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Located in Long Street, the Shakespeare Inn was the dominion of the Brown family throughout the 19th century. John and Sarah Brown were the hosts in the 1840's. Born in Repton ii 1793, John Brown was a man with multifarious skills. He was a publican, pattern maker, clog manufacturer and, later, a shopkeeper. All of these activities took place on the premises of the Shakespeare Inn. John Brown was a particularly successful a clog maker; by the 1850's he was employing six men and an apprentice. He and Sarah had six children but this did not interfere with his athletic prowess. He competed in running races in the local district for which there was a cash prize. These were very popular events and no doubt attracted the odd side wager. In 1847 he won a race held near the Stanhope Arms in Bretby in which he beat David Brealey of Newhall in a half-mile contest for a prize of five sovereigns. After a successful career, John Brown died in 1869. Son Thomas Brown took over as publican, grocer, pattern maker, clog manufacturer and brush maker. He later expanded into farming and, as a respected member of the local community, was appointed assistant overseer. He had married Ann Rose in 1854 and during the following eighteen years the couple had ten children, many of whom took an active role within the family business. Walter worked as a butcher with the meat no doubt being sold in the family shop. Mary Ann took charge of the dairy side of the business. Elizabeth worked behind the shop counter whilst Agnes worked as a barmaid in the Shakespeare Inn. Between them, they would have known almost everyone in Repton and, of course, knew all the local gossip. Eldest son Walter predeceased his parents so when Thomas Brown died in 1901 and his wife passing on three years later, the licence of the Shakespeare Inn was taken over by Thomas Brown Jnr. There was a small bakery behind the Shakespeare Inn and there was also a fish and chip shop just along the road.
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Converted into a private residence, the old Star Inn has survived. It is a charming brick cottage that is modelled on the neighbouring timber-framed Tudor Lodge. The projecting jetty with porch below is almost a facsimile of the adjacent cottage's architecture. This makes me wonder if there is more than architecture linking the two buildings. Clearly, this brick building is not the original Star Inn which was trading in the early 19th century, and possibly earlier. This is speculation on my part - I have not researched the buildings in any detail - but I wouldn't be surprised if the licence was transferred from the timber-framed cottage to this 'new' building. Furthermore, it would be nice to think that the bricks used in the construction of the Star Inn originated in nearby Newton Solney. In replicating the 16th century cottage, it would appear to be some form of advertisement for the brickwork - a sort of statement along the lines of "look what we can do with our bricks." The Meakin family kept the Star Inn during the early-mid 19th century. The son of John Meakin and Hannah Hodgkinson, Peter Meakin was both victualler and farmer. He was seemingly a bit of a loner but employed a coupe of servants to keep the house ticking over. At the age of 70 he died on Boxing Day in 1872. The contents of the Star Inn were put up for auction and were sold on February 3rd 1873. The catalogue described the sale as "the whole of the live and dead farming stock, household furniture, dairy and brewing utensils, and other effects, comprising 5 dairy cows, 3 stacks of hay, also: market cart, together with other useful implements of husbandry."
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THE ALLEGED MANSLAUGHTER AT MILTON "At the Repton Petty Sessions, on Wednesday, before Colonel Mosley, and Sir H. F. Every, Bart., Jonathan Glasby, late landlord of the Swan Inn, Milton, was again brought up on the charge of manslaughter of his wife, Harriet Glasby, on the 24th December 1877. Mr Hextall, of Derby, again appeared for the prisoner. The following evidence was called: Martha Glasby said "I am the wife of George Glasby, of Milton, and he is the son of the prisoner. I was at the Swan Inn, on 23rd December, at about 11 o'clock in the morning. I saw the prisoner in the tap room. Mrs Glasby was in bed. She had blood on the back of her head. She got up soon after I got into the room. There was also blood on the pillow, and also in one of the other bedrooms in which prisoner had slept. Mrs Glasby always slept with the children. After Mrs Glasby got up she came downstairs and went into the tap room, and from thence into the bar. She drank a quantity of whiskey while in the bar. It would then be about half-past eleven. I left the house at about three o'clock; Mrs Glasby was not then sober. I returned to the house at about a quarter-past four. Mrs Glasby was then playing the harmonium and singing in the little parlour. I remained in the house all the evening. At about ten minutes to eight she complained of feeling faint, and I asked her to go to bed. She said she would rather go out into the air, and she went out. In a few minutes afterwards I heard her 'grating' her teeth, and I went to her. She was standing against the wall. She said she did not feel any better. I left her, but returned in a few minutes. She was then making a funny noise with her lips, and I went to fetch a candle. I then saw that she had fallen down. I went back to the house and sent my husband to her. I followed him soon afterwards. He had then raised her head up. I returned to the house and asked Mr Thorpe to go and help my husband to carry her in. They carried her in and laid her on the sofa in the little parlour. They sent for Mrs Palmer, and she came. Mrs Glasby was unconscious when she was carried in. There was blood at the back of her head, but I cannot say whether her head was bleeding at the time. The same night I found some blood on the bricks where Mrs Glasby had fallen down. The prisoner was abut the house all the time I was there, and between four and eight was in the tap room." Cross examined by Mr Hextall: "She was in the habit of lying late in bed; sometimes most of the day. She never complained of anyone having used violence to her, and never made any allusion to the blood. There was a half-pint mug containing a little whiskey under the bed. The blood in Mr Glasby's room was on the floor. She had many opportunities during the day of speaking to me alone, but she made no complaint to me. She appeared to be as well in health as usual. In the evening, about six o'clock, I cooked her a pork steak. I saw her drink twice out of the whiskey bottle, and put out a pint of rum into a mug and put it into the cupboard. I saw her drink out of the mug two or three times. When I went afterwards to look at the mug it was empty. That was before six o'clock. The prisoner had his slippers on until just before half-past six o'clock. I did not see his boots about. The boots were generally kept upstairs. I did not notice any fresh blood about her on Sunday. She frequently used to 'grate' her teeth. Mrs Glasby never spoke after she was carried into the parlour. There was a bit of skin knocked off Mrs Glasby's nose when she was carried into the house, and there was no such mark on when she went out of the house. Never saw the prisoner touch her on Sunday. On Saturday night she was drunk, and violently battered the house door with a rake, and also broke a pane of glass. She was cursing and swearing at the time. I did not see him use any violence towards her that night. I heard a conversation between the prisoner and his daughter Ella on the 24th December. He said, "Ella, it is you has killed your mother by taking the child away." Ella had a child which the deceased was very fond of. She left home in consequence of a quarrel." Lois Collier, the mother of George Collier, who was called last week, corroborated his statement about seeing Mrs Glasby soon after four o'clock on the 23rd standing in her own yard bleeding from her head. She said that someone had hurt her head on the previous night. She said. "Look here at my head where he hit me with a knife." Cross examined by Mr Hextall: "I cannot say to whom she was speaking. Ellen Hurper said: "I live at Milton. On 24th December I went to the Swan Inn at about half-past five in the morning. I saw Mr Glasby in the tap room. Bertha Betteridge, his daughter, came into the room and said, "Well, father," and he replied, "I've killed your mother," and he repeated it several times. She said, "I hope not, father," and he said, "I have." Ella then came into the room, and the prisoner looked at her and said, "It's her who's been the cause of it; it's her who's killed your mother." Cross examined by Mr Hextall: "I told Sergeant Spick the same day that I heard the conversation. The prisoner seemed as usual, only that he was in drink." Elizabeth Baker corroborated the previous witness as to the conversation, and stated that the prisoner's son George said to his father, "You've done now what you always said you would do; I should think you're all right now." Sergeant Spick said: "From information I received I went to the Swan Inn, Milton, at about three o'clock on the 24th December, with police constable Cholerton. I saw the body of Mrs Glasby in one of the bedrooms. I examined the sheds and yard. I found a small quantity of blood on a brick in the yard, near where the deceased had been found, and there was also a little blood on a wall. I went into the house and spoke to Glasby, and also examined his boots and slippers, but could not find either blood or hair on them. Cross examined by Mr Hextall: "The boots did not seem to have recently been washed." Bertha Betteridge said: "I am the prisoner's daughter, and reside at Hartshorne. On the 24th December, I was sent for to my father's house, and I arrived there with my sister Ella, between five and six in the morning. I saw my father in the tap room. I saw Mrs Harpur and Mrs Baker against the house leading into the yard. I afterwards saw them in the tap room. I said, "Well, father," and he said, "Well, wench," I said, "How's this." My sister followed me into the room, and he pointed to her, and said, "She's killed your mother." I said, "Don't say that, father," and he replied, "She has; Ella's killed her." My brother came into the taproom, but I did not hear him speak. Cross examined by Mr Hextall: "I was put about, and hardly took notice of what she said. I am sure my father never said he had killed my mother." Inspector Barker said "on the morning of the 9th January I went to the prisoner's house and told him I had a warrant for his arrest. I told him what he was charged with, and he replied, "I never hurt her; I was too fond of her for that." Mr Hextall addressed the Bench, and pointed out what he considered to be inconsistencies in the evidence, and which tended to upset the theory of the prosecution; but the Bench were of the opinion that there was a prima facie case of manslaughter made out, and committed the prisoner for trial on the charge at the next Assizes at Derby." Derby Mercury 30th January 1878 THE CHARGE OF MANSLAUGHTER AGAINST A PUBLICAN AT MILTON "Jonathan Glasby [55], publican, on bail, was indicted for killing and slaying, on the 24th December 1877, one Harriett Glasby, at Milton. Mr Tonman Mosley, instructed by Mr W. H. Whiston, of Derby, appeared to prosecute; and Mr Harris, instructed by Mr Hextall, of Derby, defended the prisoner, who is landlord of the Swan Inn at Milton. The learned Counsel for the prosection having shortly addressed the jury on the facts of the case, call George Collier, a labourer, living at Milton with his father next door to the Swan Inn, kept by the prisoner. On Sunday, the 23rd December, he was returning from a walk and passed the yard of the swan. He saw the prisoner hit Mrs Glasby on the shoulder with a boot twice. Deceased was running and witness saw a large mark and a deal of blood at the back of her head. Heard three blows struck before he came up to the yard; they sounded like heavy blows with a boot. Witness after this went into his own house and remained there about ten minutes, He then came out and saw Mrs Glasby on the doorstep. She went to the top of the yard to where witness was, and turned round and went back. Witness then saw a lot of blood at the back of her head. It was fresh blood and was running from a wound. Witness went away and saw no more of her. The boot produced was the one he saw in the prisoner's hand. Cross examined: Witness saw prisoner hit the woman two "good hard slaps" with the sole of the boot. Her hair was all down her back. She seemed sober enough but witness did not speak to her. Martha Glasby, wife of George Glasby, son of the prisoner, said she lived about five minutes' walk from the Swan Inn, Milton. She was at the Swan on the 23rd December when Mrs Glasby got up, about half-past 11 o'clock in the morning. Did not know what time she went to bed the previous night. Noticed blood on the back of her head, but did not notice any wound. She got up and went about the house as usual. Witness remained in the house until three o'clock in the afternoon. She then left, and returned about a quarter-past four. Mrs Glasby was then in the back parlour, Saw the back of her head, but did not notice anything fresh. About eight o'clock deceased complained to witness of feeling faint, and went outside to get some fresh air. She went a little down the yard, and witness heard her grating her teeth very loudly. Witness enquired if she felt any better, and she said she did not. A few minutes after witness again went out to deceased with a light. She was on the ground, having apparently fallen down. Witness went in and fetched the prisoner, and with the assistance of another man they took her into the house. Witness then noticed that deceased's head had been bleeding afresh, and there was blood on the bricks near to where she had been lying. Deceased remained insensible until the doctor came, and died about four o'clock the next morning. Cross examined: She made no complaint of anybody having touched her. There was a little blood on the pillow in deceased's bed, after she had got up. Witness saw her take the cork from a whiskey bottle about half-past 11 o'clock in the morning, and drink some of the contents. She saw her drink out of the bottle twice. She was not quite sober at three o'clock in the afternoon. At six o'clock she drank a quantity of rum. Witness heard her sing "God Save the Queen." Deceased put a pint of rum into a mug, but witness did not state whether she drank it all, although the mug was subsequently found empty. On the night of the 22nd December deceased was not sober, and was banging on the door, as though she did not know what she was doing. She that day broke a pane of glass, and cursed and swore. Witness noticed a wound on deceased's nose after she had fallen down; she had not observed this before. Deceased had been troubled because her daughter had taken a child from her, and of which she was fond, and this appeared to prey on her mind. After deceased's death the prisoner seemed to be in great distress, and witness heard him say, "Emma has killed your mother by taking the child away." He said more than once, "Emma has done it!" Louis Collier, wife of John Collier, who lives next door to the Swan Inn, said she was in the bedroom of her house at four o'clock on Sunday afternoon, December 23rd, and she saw Mrs Glasby, who was in the yard attached to the inn, and heard her say, "Look at the blood from my poor head where he hit me with a knife last night." Witness's son was passing the yard at the time. The Judge here said he really did not think this evidence had any bearing on the case, and the witness retired. Mr Kyle, surgeon, of Repton, said on the night of the 23rd December he was requested to go to the Swan inn. He arrived there about half-past eleven, and found deceased lying on the sofa. She had an open wound on the back of her head, a bruise under the left eye, and another on the nose. He remained with her until she died, about four o'clock in the morning. He afterwards made a post-mortem examination on the body with Dr Garneys. The wound at the back of the head was semi-circular in shape and ragged, and the convex of the semi-circle was upwards. The wound was about 1¾ inches in length. He removed the scalp, beneath which was found congealed blood. On removing the skull he found a good deal of blood extravagated on the brain, and there was a clot of blood corresponding with the outer wound. Some of the organs of the body were diseased, but not such as to cause death. The cause of death was effusion of blood on the brain, which would be produced by the wound at the back of the head, and this was such as could have been caused by the heel of the boot produced. The wound on the back of the head could not have been caused by a fall. By the Judge: He came to that conclusion from the nature of the wound. He did not think the weight of the body would have caused such a wound. If a person was caught and thrown against something such a wound might be produced. Cross examined: There might be a fracture of the skull produced by a person falling; the walls of the heart were fatty. [The Judge at this point interposed, and asked Mr Mosley if, after the evidence of the woman falling down, he could ask the jury to give their opinion that death was caused by anything but by that fall. He then asked the jury to give their opinion, observing that they had heard the evidence and could proceed with the case if they chose. The jury, after deliberating a short time, said they were all agreed but one. Mr Mosley said after what had fallen from his Lordship and the jury he felt he could not obtain a conviction, and that he ought to retire from the case. His Lordship said he did not see how the learned counsel could withdraw from the case at that point. Mr Mosley said he had conferred with his client, and had decided not to call further evidence. Mr Harris therefore addressed the jury on the prisoner's behalf. The juryman who had not at the time of the interposition of his Lordship felt fully convinced of the prisoner's innocence now agreed with the other eleven, and the prisoner was acquitted." Derby Mercury 10th April 1878 SERIOUS CHARGE OF CUTTING AND WOUNDING "At the Repton Petty Sessions, on Wednesday, before Sir Henry Every and A. Radford, Esq., James Murray was charged with feloniously cutting and wounding William Lees at Milton, on Saturday, the 2nd February, with intent do do him grievous bodily harm. Mr Potter appeared for the prisoner. Mr Whiston stated that the man was in a very precarious condition, and the doctors advised them to take his disposition, in case anything should happen. The magistrates therefore proceeded to Milton to take the man's disposition, which was as follows: "I am a labourer, and live at Milton. On Saturday, the 2nd February, I went into the Swan inn, at Milton. I went in about 8.30pm and I stayed till 9, when I came out for a short time, and then went in again. William Bamford and the prisoner were in the house. I had no words with Murray in the house. Young Duncan was with Murray. We all left the house at turning-out time. We all came out one after another, and I came out last. My wife's brother, John Collier, and young Duncan had some words in the street. I went to my wife's brother and told him to go away, and not cause any bother. Murray then hit me on the breast and knocked me backwards. I got up. I saw him coming to me again. I knocked him away from me, and told him to be quiet. David Harper said to me "Come away and let them do as they like." I stood a minute or two with my wife and Harper, in the street. Murray came and hit me on the side of the head with a jug. I said I thought it was a bottle. The jug went off with a crack when he hit me. After he had delivered the blow he ran away, and I said "Stop him, he has struck me." I was struck on the left side of the head, and directly I received the blood spurted out. I have been attended ever since by Dr Kyle, surgeon, of Repton, and I am now dangerously ill from the effects of the blow. I have also lost a deal of blood. I have never in my life had any quarrel with Murray. I never had any words with anyone that night, We were all sober when we came out of the Swan Inn." In answer to Mr Potter, Lees said: "I have known Murray ever since he was married. There has been no ill-feeling or quarrel between us. I had not been in any other public house that day. I had two pints of ale. I sang some songs, and we were very comfortable. Murray was there all the time. It was rather dark when we came out. There had been some words between Duncan and Collier at the Swan. Collier told Duncan to hold his noise. I did not her Collier say anything to Duncan when he was outside the house. I did not see Collier pull off his coat. I took hold of Collier, and I tried to take him away. Murray shouted out: "The best man single himself out, and I will have a round or two with the bastard." I did not pull off my coat. I did not strike Murray. I stood my ground. I swear that I was not the person who struck the first blow. Murray struck first. He said he would be quiet. I did not hear him say to me "You will hear of this another day." He said nothing abut the magistrates or summons. Murray had nothing in his hand when he struck me first. I saw him strike with something in his hand, and I tried to stop him, but could not. My wife, I, and Barper were standing some yards off the rest of the people. I fell down when the blow struck me. I was struck on the head. The blow stunned me. I remember Collier bringing me in. That is the last. I remember Richard Marbrow coming to see me on the Sunday afternoon. I told him I was very bad and could not bear a noise. I did not tell him that I did not know who struck me. He asked me who it was, and I told him that it was Murray who struck me." The prisoner was then remanded to the Derby County Police Court. On Friday the prisoner was brought up at the Derby Police Court, when a doctor's certificate was received, stating that complainant was much better, but not yet out of danger or able to leave his bed. The prisoner was therefore remanded for a week, bail was refused." Derby Mercury 13th February 1878 CHARGE OF ASSAULT "Matthew Redgate, late of Milton, was charged by Thomas William Yardley with assaulting him at Repton, on 23rd February. Witnesses were called on each side, and the case was dismissed." Derby Mercury 23rd March 1881

The Swan Inn is located in Milton's Main Street, around one mile to the east of Repton. An early publican here was John Gamble who was documented in an 1846 trade directory as John Curzon Gamble. Born around 1794, he kept the Swan Inn with his wife Alice. The couple lived at the house with their children Caroline, Henry, Elizabeth and Anne. At this time there was competition for customer in Milton in the form of a beer house run by Thomas Collier. Alice Gamble was from Milton but her husband hailed from the Shropshire town of Newport. When Gamble had passed on, John carried on with the help of daughter Elizabeth whilst Anne brought in additional income as a dressmaker. The Swan Inn was advertised 'To Let' in 1855 and the new tenant was James Smithard. His stay was brief and by 1861 Jonathan Glasby was mine host. Born around 1825 in the Yorkshire village of Brantingham, he kept the Swan Inn with his wife Harriet who hailed from Walton-on-Trent. The couple had earlier lived at Burnaston where Jonathan Glasby worked as a farm bailiff. By the time they were in charge of the Swan Inn they had three children: Bertha, George and Ella. At this time the joiner John Wheatcroft was running the adjacent village shop with his wife Caroline. The whole area was rocked when the news broke that Jonathan Glasby had been charged with killing his wife just before Christmas Eve 1877. The Swan Inn must have became the talk of South Derbyshire. It was several months before the case came to court so speculation must have been rife. Despite the evidence of the next door neighbour, in which he claimed to see the publican hit his wife repeatedly with a boot, and also that a witness stated that he heard the victualler confess the killing to his daughter, Jonathan Glasby was acquitted. If the house had continued to trade, customer at the White Swan may have increased as people came to see the scene of the alleged crime. The gossip must have been on full steam ahead. Whatever the circumstances, Jonathan Glasby chose to leave the pub and within a fortnight of the trial the licence of the pub was transferred to Matthew Redgate. This may have been the same Matthew Redgate who later joined the police force. Hartshorne-born William Worstall was the publican in charge of the Swan in 1881. He kept the pub with his wife Emma who hailed from Ashby-de-la-Zouch. The couple had married in her hometown in 1865. They had a daughter called Clara who worked as a barmaid at the Swan Inn. The family had earlier lived in the High Street at Burton-on-Trent from where William worked as a foreman in a brewery. He was the third man to hold the licence of the Swan Inn during 1881. John Bell brought a bit of stability to the pub in the late 19th century, not to mention a strange dialect. The publican was from Henley-on-Thames In Oxfordshire, whilst his wife Mary originated from Somerset. The couple were still running the pub in 1901 when they were both in their 70's.
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“O thievish Night,
Why shouldst thou, but for some felonious end,
In thy dark lantern thus close up the stars,
That nature hung in heaven, and filled their lamps
With everlasting oil, to give due light
To the misled and lonely traveller?”
Milton
Pub Quotations

History and Information on the Public Houses of Derbyshire with Licensees and Newspaper Articles PLUS Genealogy Connections