The Old Leopard, as photographed by John M and posted on Geograph.
There’s some interesting stuff going on over at Julian Ward-Davies’ Stonnall Local History Group on Facebook. Julian has spotted something also noticed in passing by reader and local history ferret [Howmuch?]: there appear to have been two pubs called The Leopard in the Sandhills area – The Leopard and the Old Leopard. Most locals are familiar with the location of The Old leopard, for it’s existence is recorded on a plaque on the front of the house it used to exist within. The Leopard, however, is somewhat more elusive.
Julian posted this in the group on Thursday:
References to the pubs of Sandhills and Stonnall, early 19th century.
White’s Directory of Staffordshire, 1834
page 1015
Inns and Public Houses
Sandhills
The Leopard – licensee, William Atkins
The Old Leopard – licensee, John Titterton
There we have it. There were two pubs at Sandhills.
Stonnall
The Harp – licensee, John Holmes
The Swan – licensee, Charles Glover
I think one point can be determined from this. The ‘T’ shaped building, mentioned in Gordon’s article and which was known to have been a former pub, must have been the Harp and not the Swan as I had previously thought.
Also, an interesting question arises. Was Charles Glover of the Swan related to the Glover family of 20th century Stonnall?
I’m interested in this, and I think it’s worth throwing out to see what the wider community here think. There seems to be scant evidence for The Leopard – although it clearly did exist, as it was listed above, but it’s location and nature are proving elusive. One of the biggest supporting facts for the existence of The Leopard is that the Old Leopard is called just that, implying a new one coming afterward; the etymology here is quite clear. What find quite curious is the two pubs being so similarly named, and one just seeming to vanish.Does anyone have any more information?
David Evans contributed the following:
A William Adkins aged 50 and wife Elizabeth 50 show living in Brewood in 1841 census.
Not shown in Sandhills or Shenstone. A William Atkins(the same?) transported and 7 years at Stafford Court in 1850. A John Titterton aged 60 in Shenstone (rest blurred!)in1841 census… possibly shopkeeper, with wife Mary aged 70.
Regards David Evans
This sparked the following conversation in reply:
Julian Ward-Davies Thanks David Evans. A very good contribution.
David Evans Atkins= housebreaking and larceny.
Graeme Fisher There’s a William Adkins listed on the tithe map owning a pub in the Shire Oaks area, plot A98, which may well be in Leopard country.
David Evans A102 probably James double front cottage by shape of plot,now only tree remains..Not known as being former pub.Plots across road seem fields by size A96 Brawn also the farmers of fieldsopposite in 1890s
David Evans A98 plot now has Leopard and x2 pairs late Vic cottages..Did these replace building in Tithe map (the Old Leopard) possibly? Their deeds may have reference.
Julian Ward-Davies The A98 Tithe plot was the Leopard. The Old Leopard was not marked. It must have been nearby, but that doesn’t mean that it was in the Parish of Shenstone.
David Evans just stopped to look. The building in the photo has this plaque.The Old Leopard c 1750 – 1911. The cottages adjacent date 1908,1909
Julian Ward-Davies That is interesting.
Julian Ward-Davies Steve’s 1902 map marks it as the Leopard.
Julian Ward-Davies Anyway, the point is there were two pubs and we still don’t seem to know where the other one was.
David Evans present no 138 had a building on the site long time ago..pig farm or small-holding. A possibility?
So, what do we know? If you’ve got anything further to add, comment here, or at the Stonnall Local History Group on Facebook or mail me at BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com. It would be nice to crack this one.