IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Tanners Court, LINCOLN, LN5 7AG

Built in 1905, an imposing feature of the lower High Street, directly opposite the diminutive Unitarian Chapel http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/304609

Hostelry on lower High Street

Built in 1905

September 2008: With the remnants of St Matthews, after the fire

Narrow cobbled street seen from High Street

Shops on lower High Street

Previously two buildings, now one. 133 was a re-build of an earlier property by architects/builders Robert Slingsby of Monson Street, for John M Smith. Sold to Whitton and Ashley in 1876, when it was described as having brewhouse, stables, granaries, and comprising cellars, dram shop (18th Century term for a place that sold gin by the spoonful), bar parlour, smoke room, bagatelle room, tap room and kitchens. Upper floors had 2 sitting rooms and 9 bedrooms. Rear buildings and cart sheds added by Bass Ratcliff and Gretton in 1912. The shop number 132 was absorbed into the pub around 1996. It was called the Blue Anchor until December 2003. In late 2014 alterations were carried out to create a sports bar. Directory entries include; 1828 unable to locate it; 1835 Peter Bushell at a Blue Anchor in St Peter’s Gate; 1841 Phillis Bushell, now listed in 133 High Street; 1856-1857 Joseph Kirk; 1861 George Austin (Blue Anchor & Market House?); 1868-1872 Charles Samuel Salt (also listed at 372 as Blacksmith); 1885-1897 Thomas Hughes; 1901-1909 Arthur George Glew; 1913-1919 David Paling; 1965 just listed as ‘Blue Anchor P.H.’ but earlier had been listed as an inn or hotel.

Built as two houses/shops before 1842 it is alongside Anchor Street one of the lanes between high street and former wharfs on the River Witham. In the shaw family from 1850, the 1855/6 directories list William Burley under furniture brokers at 126 with no mention of 125. William Jackson Burley (1805-1861) was father to William Shaw (1827-1912). In 1857 Akrill’s Directory has 125 Benjamin Higgott, 125½ William Jackson Burley and 126 M White. In 1868-1872 directories list a milliners at 125 and William Shaw, upholster, later cabinet maker at 126. By 1885 number 125 is listed as a corn dealer and at least 1889 to 1919 greengrocer and then I have no more directories until 1965 when Shaw’s occupies both properties. W Shaw reportedly carried out alterations to 125 in 1886, this is around the time George took over from William. I can’t tell if Shaw’s always owned both and rented out one or if they purchased 125 later. According to their website G H Shaw Ltd was established in 1860 by George Horatio Shaw. However according to Ancestry.com George wasn’t born until 1861 and Companies House confirms G H Shaw Ltd was incorporated on 23rd February 1982. Clearly the business in one form or another has been in existence since at least 1855, probably much earlier as William Burley was born in 1805. The frontage has been completely changed with ground-floor shop fronts and new fenestration.

Baroque Revival church on High Street, by Howdill & Sons of Leeds in 1905

Baroque Revival church on High Street, by Howdill & Sons of Leeds in 1905