PUBLIC-HOUSES.

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There was formerly a public-house in the middle of Swan Street, and one at the top of Duke Street kept by the late Mr. E. Brooks. The license to the Portland Arms was obtained in 1832 by the late Mr. Wild, a tailor. In former times licensed victuallers were privileged to keep their houses open all night. NEW STREET.

Where this street now is, deer was running wild in the forest upwards of 100 years ago, and there was formerly a stile leading on to the green sward at the spot which marks the entrance from the Market Place. On the site of Mr. C. Stringfellow's premises once stood a public-house (or beer-off), where a Mr. Bridgett once lived, as well as Mr. Richard Tubsbury, junior. Up to 1852 the Devonshire Arms was known as the "Green Dragon." The sign bearing this name was blown down during a hurricane in that year, and the then landlord (Mr. S. Willey) bought the existing sign at Nottingham and had it placed on the inn. The shop now occupied by Councillor G. Stevenson at the junction of New Street and King Street was built by the late Mr. R. Littlewood in 1838.