An 18th-century pub, described by laureate poet John Betjeman as “the very heart of Leeds”, has been awarded Class II status * as part of an initiative to protect historic drinking houses across the country.
Whitelock’s Ale House, the oldest pub in Leeds, dates back more than 300 years. Originally called the Turkish Head, it served merchants and merchants in the nearby Brigate Market.
In the 1880s, the Whitelock family took over and rebuilt the pub as an elegant lunch bar, with stained glass windows, brass barley twisted columns, mirrors and a bar countertop with ceramic tiles and a copper countertop. It is believed to be the first building in Leeds to have electric lighting and an electric clock.
In the 20th century it became a favorite meeting of actors and celebrities. Prince George, later Duke of Kent, organized a curtain party. Actor Peter O’Toole, ballerina Margo Fontaine and writer Keith Waterhouse were regulars.
Exterior of the Whitelock Ale House. Photo: Alun Bull / Historic England / PA
Betjeman, who was the poet’s laureate from 1972 until his death in 1984, said the pub was “equivalent to the old Cheshire cheese on Fleet Street in Leeds and far less confident and traded hard.” This is the heart of Leeds. “
The building is class II, included in the list in 1963, and its upgrade to level II * gives it additional protection as a historic building.
Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, which manages the National Heritage List on behalf of the government, said: preserved their remarkable interior. These rare interiors help to tell the fascinating history of pubs over the centuries and how they reflect society.
Prince Alfred in Maida Vale has five well-preserved bar compartments separated by screens. Photo: Chris Redgrave / Historical England / Pennsylvania
Prince Alfred in Maida Vale, north-west London, has also been upgraded to Grade II * to protect his rare engraved glass “snobbish screens” designed to provide privacy for women who order at the ladies bar.
Built in 1856, the pub has five well-preserved bar compartments, separated by screens and each with its own entrance and low service door to allow the “pot boys” to sneak in when collecting empty glasses.
Two London pubs were given list status for the first time. Admiral Vernon in Dagenham was built between the wars to serve the Bicontry mansion, one of the largest municipal estates in the country. Its interior with wooden paneling is largely unchanged compared to its opening in the 1930s.
Blythe Hill Tavern in south-east London has an unusual T-shape, with one countertop serving three separate rooms.
Blythe Hill Tavern in Forest Hill. Photo: Stella Fitzgerald / Historical England / Pennsylvania
Historic England is working with the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) pub heritage group to protect historic pubs and their interiors. Paul Ainsworth, chairman of the group, said: “Times are tough for all pubs right now, including those with important historic interiors. The more protection they can get, the better. ”
Nigel Huddleston, Secretary of Heritage, said: “Our historic pubs are national institutions that have stood at the heart of local communities for generations, uniting people and shedding light on our common past. These announcements recognize and celebrate the importance of the local pub for people across the country and will ensure that their legacy will continue for many years to come. “
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