York pub history index
The Board Inn in Fossgate existed in 1840 when Henry Wilberforce is licensee
Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer. 13 August 1955
Of 52 Yorkshire inns scheduled by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government during the past year as being outstanding historic or architectural importance, 27 are situated in York.
Fifteen of York's inns have been placed on the statutory list, meaning that they cannot be demolished or altered without notice, and the remainder of the 27 are on the supplementary list, and will be preserved as long as other and wider interests are not unduly affected.
The York Historic Environment Record lists this as having a timber-framed front block of the late 16th or early 17th century, and at 5-6 Fossgate. Despite the schedule in 1955, it was demolished in 1957!
Directory of Pubs in the UK, historical public houses, Taverns, Inns, Beer Houses and Hotels in Yorkshire.
Residents at this address
1840, Board, Hy Wilberforce, 124 Walmgate
Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer. 11 March 1920
Chief Constable objected to the renewal of the licence of the Board Inn, Fossgate at the Brewster sessions.
He said there were two drinking rooms - a long narrow room 36 feet by 6 feet 9 inches, divided into two compartments, and the jug and bottle department, also largely used for drinking, 17 feet 3 inches by 13 feet 3 inches wide.
The rooms were filled with customers, and ventilation was bad, and artificial light had to be used except on the brightest days. The house did a large trade.
One officer found in 27 visits an average of 43 men and 23 women, and 16 visits by another officer gave an average of 30 men and 23 women. Refreshments were not served. Within 130 yards of the house were ten other fully licensed houses, better equipped and ventilated.
The gross rental of the house was £145, and the rateable £130 10 shilings.
Superintendent Bowman, cross-examined by Mr Cautley KC MP (for the owners Messrs Wilson and Son, Hull), agreed the house had been licensed for 120 years, and for over 100 years had been in the hands of the family of Mr Sellers, the tenant. Witness agreed that 14,970 customers who had signed a petition for its retention were respectable people.
Mr Cautley said the house was taking £200 a week, and he defied the magistrates to find, on the evidence, that the house was not wanted. Messrs Wilson were willing to bring the premises up-to-date. If the licence were removed, his clients would lose £10,000 or £12,000. The house had been well conducted.
After an absence pof thirty five minutes to consider the decision, the justices agreed to refer the case to the compensation authority.
Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer. 21 August 1928
Hotel Manager Charged. Alleged Theft of Whisky Spirit by York man.
Adjournment granted in York, to Arthur Sidney Croft, aged 43, lately manager of the Board Inn, Fossgate, York, charged with stealing 80 gallons of plain whisky spirit, value £254, the property of his employers, Messrs Henry Wilson and Sons Ltd, Hull.