When Is A Pub Not Just A Pub? – When It’s A Mortuary !

The Bricklayers Arms at Thornton

I have heard it said that an eminent member of our Royal Family coined the phrase ‘the pub’s the hub’ when discussing the necessity to protect and preserve the amenities of smaller communities, particularly rural communities.

This is not a new concept. In the past the pub was, very often, not only at the hub of a rural community’s local activities, but also the site for the provision, by outside bodies, of commercial, social and legal services for the benefit of the local community.

For an interesting example of this, consider the past history of “The Bricklayers Arms” at Thornton, Leicestershire (see CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2003 p.256). It seems more than probable that the pub got it’s present name by virtue of the fact that 140 or more years ago, the landlord, one William Dilks, was also by trade a bricklayer. Speak to Jane Swyer, the wife of the present landlord, Terry, and you will hear a fascinating account of the part the pub has played in it’s time, in serving the local community other than merely with beer ! Jane can tell you of the occasions when part of the pub would be used by the Coroner as the Coroner’s Court. She can also indicate the outbuilding that is believed to have been used as a Mortuary.

You will see a photograph displayed in the pub, bearing the heading “A tot can mean two things at The Bricklayers Arms”. The picture was taken some years ago, on the afternoon that the village finally got the Baby Clinic that local mothers had sought for the previous two years. The picture shows the front of the pub, with half a dozen or so prams outside ! After a long and abortive search for a venue, the clinic was finally held in the pub by Dr.Margaret Sugden of the County Health Services. Prior to this, local mothers had a two-mile walk to neighbouring Bagworth to attend a clinic. Peggy Dilks, wife of the landlord at that time, is reported as saying …”in later years at least, they will know their way here !”

Another photograph Jane has, obviously of a Victorian vintage, depicts seven local stalwarts enjoying what must have been at that time, without doubt, a drop of real ale. There’s clearly no need to ask if it’s cask, since five of them are sitting astride five barrels, the ends of each of which clearly display four chalk crosses indicating the strength of the contents. When you look at this picture, you will see that the man in the centre of the group is holding a metal jug – perhaps of well polished copper or pewter – that must hold at least two gallons! I say ‘hold’ because Jane understands that the jug is at present in Leicester Museum. She says that there are proposals to re-enact this scene, complete with period dress and jug. If publication times permit, the date of this re-enactment will appear in The Leicester Drinker.

W Jones.

This page last updated: April 15, 2011

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