Landlords, legends, census records, and lost taverns.
York from the Scotland NLS site in 1852. ; the map describes this as the Bird in Hand PH or St. Leonard's Hotel.
The first house named the Bird in Hand in 1746 was demolished in 1835 after the Barbican of Bootham Bar was pulled down. It was rebuilt on the corner of Bootham and St Leonards, adjacent to Queen Margarets Arch. The property included a brewhouse when offered for sale in 1851. Durint the tenanvy of Ann Morley it was also known as the St. Leonard's Hotel. In 1878 it moved to a new premises in Bootham on the creation of Exhibition Square, and became the Exhibition in around 1881. *HM
1818, Mary Driffield, Bird-in-Hand, Bootham
1823, Mary Driffield, Bird-in-Hand, Bootham bar
1829, Mary Driffield, Bird in Hand, Bootham bar
1834, Mary Driffield, Bird in Hand, Bootham
1840, Ann Morley, Bird in Hand, Saint Leonard’s place
1849, Ann Morley, Bird-in-Hand, Bootham
1851, St. Leonard's Hotel, (Bird-in-Hand,) Ann Morley, St. Leonard's place
1858, St Leonards Hotel, R Whitty, St Leonards place, York
1861, Bird in Hand Inn, Wulliam Skillbeck, St. Leonard's place
1872, John Brown, Bird in Hand Inn, St. Leonard's place
Yorkshire Gazette. 20 March 1880 Freehold Hotel and Spirit Vaults for Sale by Auction.
At the Bird in Hand Hotel, Bootham, York.
Lot 1
A that Freehold Hotel, known by the sign of the Bird in Hand, situate in Bootham, in the City of Yoek, with the large yard (partly covered in), Stabling for Seventeen Horses, Corn and Hay Chambers, Coach House, Saddle Room, and Outbuildings thereto adjoining and belonging, now in the occupation of Mr John Brown, the Owner.
The Premises comprise an area of 830 square yards or thereabouts, with a Frontage to the Street of 55 Feet and a depth of 174 feet, and have aback Road into Percy Street and Bootham Row. They are in thorough Repair, a large sum having been recently expended in fitting them up in a first class family and Commercial Hotel. The Stabling, Coach HOuses, and Outbuildings are quite new are are exceedingly well built and arranged, and are fitted with all modern appliances.
The House contains in the basement, excellent cellerage; on the Grounf Floor, Smoke Room, Bar, Bar Parlour, Lavatory, Two kitchens and Dairy; on the First Floor, large Public Room, Sitting Room and Two Bed Rooms; on the Second Floor, Five Bed Rooms; and on the Third Floor, Five good attics.
As a Market and Commercial House, the Premises, from their situation and convenience, are unequalled, and they are also exceedingly well adapted for the Livery Stable, Cab and Posting Business, which the Owner has carried on, and an extensive and well established Trade is connected with them.
*HM - Hugh Murray Directory of York Pubs 1455-2003