The address of this pub was originally in Cross Street, which was later named Regent Street in honour of the Prince Regent. The Golden Lion was one of the first buildings to be built north of the river Leam as part of the “new town” in 1810 and it was one of the few places where accommodation … Read more
It has been suggested that the earliest evidence of a Gas Works in Leamington was 1819, although other sources imply that it could even be some four years before that. T B Dudley in 1901 claimed that there were works “on the site of the present works, erected by Mr Roberts, of the Warwick Foundry, probably … Read more
The growth of the “New Town” of Leamington into a fashionable resort gave us wide streets and fine buildings. One of these was the Royal Assembly Rooms where many “splendid balls and concerts” were held. In 1878 they were sold; and then partly demolished, partly converted into shops. Messrs. P. H. Woodward & Co. acquired … Read more
In 1814 Michael Thomas Copps arrived from Cheltenham and took over the Old Greyhound Inn (latterly the Black Dog) from Thomas Sinker. In 1814 the population of Leamington Priors had risen to 1800 and there was a need for good hotel accommodation in the town. Copps also acquired the nearby Fishers Boarding house and set … Read more
Burgis & Colbourne, also known as The Bedford Stores, was founded by Charles Richard Burgis in 1855, at the age of 24. He broke away from his Oxfordshire family to set up on his own in fashionable Royal Leamington Spa, opening his first shop in Regent Street, followed by a branch in Brunswick Street (later … Read more
The Bowling Green Inn, along with the Dog Inn (see article), was one of the original alehouses of the village of Leamington Priors. They were situated opposite each other across what is now the High Street (then London Road). There were two successive Bowling Green Inns in Church Street (then Church Lane) with the earliest … Read more
Thomas Abbots and Benjamin Satchwell were villagers living in Leamington Priors south of the River Leam during the 1700’s. They were good friends and very influential in the development of Leamington as a thriving spa town. Whereas Satchwell lived in a thatched cottage in what is now New Street and acted as postmaster, Abbots owned … Read more
Now a thriving town centre hotel, the Angel Hotel (earlier Inn) once had a large set of stables on its eastern side housing up to 100 horses. It stands on a corner plot at the end of Regent Street in Leamington. The first reference point is an 1813 entry in the licensed victuallers’ records which … Read more
Abbotts’ Baths (or Well) were a key factor in the step-change in the fortunes and growth of Leamington Priors. The man they were named for was William Abbotts who ran The Dog Inn (sometimes the Black Dog) on the south side of High Street from 1776 to 1793. This inn was to the east of … Read more
Delivering Newspapers for W H Smith My friend Chris advised me that he was leaving WHS and asked if I wanted a job. I certainly did! The hours were 7-8 a.m. Monday to Saturday and the Education Committee issued a card stating when I was allowed work and for how long. Chris was with me … Read more
It is very important to start this article by saying that we understand that many people these days find the idea of taxidermy, the stuffing of animals, birds and fish, totally abhorrent. However, we also recognise that in earlier times the possession and collection of these specimens was very popular and allowed people to ‘enjoy’ … Read more
The recording studio at this house in Woodbine Street was established by John Rivers in 1977. He converted the cellar into a basement recording studio. John moved out in 1981 to build a new studio at St Mary’s Crescent in Leamington Spa; it retains the original name. The studio is perhaps best known as the … Read more
Contact the Secretary, Margaret Rushton: secretary@leamingtonhistory.co.uk
November 7, 2026
November 6, 2026
November 6, 2026