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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Hampshire & Isle of Wight => Topic started by: Mercian7 on Sunday 28 December 25 10:19 GMT (UK)
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Hi,
Whilst searching through newspaper reports relevant to my family, I came across a report in the Evening News (Portsmouth) dated 16th October 1908, regarding an assault on my Grandparents Herbert John and Annie Elizabeth Pead. Herbert was the licensee of the 'Shakespeare's Head, Landport' Portsmouth at this date (transcript below for any interested). There were two pubs called by this name on Portsea Island at this date but this one was in Landport. My Grandfather went on to be a grocer and a wonderful gardener so I was amused to read what he used as a defensive weapon.
I can find no photographs or illustrations of this pub which no longer exists. Does anyone have one they might share or know anyone who might have one? It would greatly add colour to this part of my family history.
many thanks,
John
Here is the transcript:
ASSAULT ON A LICENSEE
Herbert John Pead, licensed victualler's manager, of the "Shakespeare's Head," Landport, summoned two merchant seamen, named Hy. Webb and Fredk. Wiggins, for assaulting him, on the 2nd inst.
- Mrs. Annie Elizabeth Pead, the wife of Herbert Pead. also summoned the two men for assaulting her.
- Mr. G. H. King appeared for the complainants, and Mr. E. J. T. Webb for the defendant Webb, and Mr. Wadeson represented Wiggins.
- The allegations were that on the night in question the two defendants drove up to the "Shakespeare's Head" and called for a drink. They were drunk, and Mr. Pead refused to serve them. They then used bad language, and assaulted Mr. and Mrs. Pead. When the defendant assaulted Mr. Pead and his wife Mr. Pead picked up a Jersey cabbage stump, which was about three feet in length, and hit Wiggins with it. Witnesses were called to corroborate.
- Wiggings denied striking the complainants, and Mr. Webb, for the other defendant, tendered a plea of "guilty under great provocation."
- Webb was fined 40s. and 11s. costs, and Wiggins 40s, and 11s. costs.
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Before searching for pics - is this the pub?
https://maps.nls.uk/view/231279444#zoom=4.8&lat=1620&lon=12707&layers=BT
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Position curser on old map (where Upper Church St hits Charles Street from the south) to see location on modern map. The area sure has changed!)
https://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/side-by-side/#zoom=18.0&lat=50.80154&lon=-1.08407&layers=168&right=ESRIWorld
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The pub was there up to the early 60s -
Portsmouth Evening News, 22 Sep 1960
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From the Portsmouth Encyclopedia:
Shakspeare’s Head [sic] 83.8.12 (1865) Landport
On N side of Upper Church Path, corner of Charles Street
Martin
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"Lost Pubs of Portsmouth" mentions the Sociable Plover (which rec'd the licence the Shakespeare's Head) but doesn't mention the Shakespeare's Head.
Found an old photo of the bottom end of Upper Church Path - closest gotten so far. Old photos can be rarer than hens' teeth.
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Before searching for pics - is this the pub?
https://maps.nls.uk/view/231279444#zoom=4.8&lat=1620&lon=12707&layers=BT
Yes this is the pub
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"Lost Pubs of Portsmouth" mentions the Sociable Plover (which rec'd the licence the Shakespeare's Head) but doesn't mention the Shakespeare's Head.
Found an old photo of the bottom end of Upper Church Path - closest gotten so far. Old photos can be rarer than hens' teeth.
Sorry to jump in, would you be able to send a link or a copy of the photo to me of Upper Church Path, my 3x great grandparents lived there?
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Not much of the street to be seen - sorry to disappoint.
https://portsmouthmuseums.co.uk/collections-stories/record/?
Maps of lower end backing on to Surrey St
https://maps.nls.uk/view/231279450#zoom=4.7&lat=4539&lon=13521&layers=BT
https://maps.nls.uk/view/231279453#zoom=4.7&lat=5124&lon=3947&layers=BT
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That's alright. Thank you - always interesting to see roughly what they would have seen.