Landlords, legends, census records, and lost taverns.
Mentioned in 1764. By 1832, Ralph Smelt had moved to the Eagle and Child, 15 Great Shambles which by 1841, he had renamed to the Reubens Head. Thus it is Known as the Reubens Head between 1841 and 1849 and kept by the licensee who had previously had a house of that name at 3 Shambles. It was sold in 1841 when the previous incumbent Thomas Dove is named as insolvent. Referred for compensation on 10 March 1925; and closed shortly afterwards. *HM
Yorkshire Gazette. Saturday, 1 September 1832
Eagle and Child Inn, Shambles, York.
Grateful to his Friends for favours so liberally bestowed during his residence at the sign of the Rubens, respectfully informs them, that he has removed to a more commodious and convenient House, called the Eagle and Child, situated a few doors below his late residence; having laid in stock of Old Wines and Choice Spirits, and now having every convenience for the accommodation of his Friends.
1834, Eagle & Child, Ralph Smelt, Shambles
1840, Ralph Smelt, Reuben’s Head, 15 Shambles
In 1841 at Shambles, Holy Trinity Kings Court, York,
Ralph Smelt, Publican aged 55 and born in Yorkshire
Elizabeth Smelt, Female aged 60
Jane Lundy, Female Servant aged 20
Jane Raingill, Female Servant aged 15 and born in Yorkshire,
Yorkshire Gazette. Thursday, 17 June 1841
Great Shambles, York.
To be sold by Auction, by Mr Hands
At the House of Ralph Smelt, the Eagle and Child Inn, in the Great Shambles aforesaid, on Tuesday the 1st of July, 1841, at Four o'clock in the Afternoon, by the Order of the Assignees of Thomas Dove, an Insolvent Debtor, subject to such conditions as shall be then produced.
All that Messuage or Dwelling House in which the Business of a Butcher is carried on, situate in the Great Shambles, York, and now in the Occupation of the said Thomas Dove.
The House is held on Lease from the Dean and Chapter of York, for a term, of which 22 years, or thereabouts, are unexpired, under the Annual Rent of 12 shillings.
1843, Ralph Smelt, Rubens Head, 15 Shambles
1849, Ralph Smelt, Rubens Head, Great Shambles
Yorkshire Gazette. Saturday, 30 June 1849
Deaths. On Saturday the 23rd instance, after a brief but severe illness, aged 68, Elizabeth, wife of Mr Ralph Smelt, of Great Shambles, in this city, innkeeper, much respected.
1851, R. Hicks, Eagle and Child, 15 Great Shambles
1858, Chas Barker, Eagle and Child, Chop and Dining House, 15 Great Shambles, York
1861, Miss E Hartley, Eagle and Child, 15 Great Shambles
1872, Joseph Fowler, Eagle and Child, 16 Shambles
1876, Charles Jewitt, Eagle and Child Inn, 16 Shambles
1885, Thomas Rafton, Eagle and Child, Shambles
1895, William Wilson, Eagle & Child, 15 Shambles
1902, W Wilson, Eagle and Child, The Shambles
Objections were received from ratepayers against twenty houses; Mr W Matterson, of St Saviourgate, on behalf of the local temperance party objected to the following:
Eagle and Child, the Shambles
See the York Temperance movement in1903 and renewal of licensed houses in York.
1911, Public House, 16 Shambles, Wilson - Eagle and Child
1913, Eagle and Child, 16 Shambles, William Wilson
1920, Eagle and Child, Shambles – F Waddington
*HM - Hugh Murray Directory of York Pubs 1455-2003