Trades Tuesday—The Publicans (Part 1) George Mann

 

Life on Ber Street in the 1850’s.

Ber Street, an ancient Roman Road, has been a major route out of the city since the 12th century, but by 1696, development in the area was limited to the street itself.  Ber Street’s function as a cattle drove is reflected in its width, a key feature of the street. It was the location of many butchers and slaughterhouses;  it was known locally as ‘Blood and Guts Street’.

The area between Ber Street and King Street was densely built up by the 1840’s with many yards and courts leading off the street.  It also became home to the Italian community, with ice cream parlours and pubs.  However, slum clearances between the 1930’s and 1960’s, together with Second World War bomb damage means that few houses from before the war remain.  During the 1930s more than 35 yards with almost 300 homes were flattened. The area was bombed in the Second World War and then in the late 1950s/60s much of the rest of the area was pulled down to make way for new developments and Rouen Road.

Boisterous Ber Street has a rich history. Full of shops, courts and yards, along with schools, famous public houses… and once a week the cattle took over when they were driven up and down the street to the market and back.  The cattle market was held in the centre of Norwich from the 17th century until the 1960s. Cattle drovers took their cattle down this street to the old cattle market situated where the Castle Mall now sits. 

At this point there are views along the horizon across the valley to the old regimental barracks (with clock tower) and the modern water tower. This ridge was where Robert Kett, gentleman farmer from Wymondham, massed his followers in 1549. Kett’s Rebellion comprised peasant farmers protesting against the enclosure of land which robbed them of common grazing rights. Kett’s troops overran Norwich but were quickly defeated and executed.

Ber Street was notable for old yards (more than 40 in 1884). These were groups of dwellings squeezed in behind older buildings and accessible through an arch or passageway. They were built from the 16^th century onwards in order to provide accommodation for the increasing numbers of workers without encroaching on Norwich’s green spaces. These yards were crowded, insanitary with shared facilities, and unhealthy due to the lack of ventilation and dismal light. There was never a dull moment in old Ber Street but let’s not forget many of its residents lived in appalling slums with a communal loo and a single tap.

George Mann, Licensee for the Jolly Drovers public house.

Prior to 1850, the Jolly Drovers was known as the Lamb public house.  It was located at or near 135 Ber Street in proximity to the Bulls Head public house.  The Lamb was a public house owned by George Morse and supplied by the brewer, Steward & Co.  It opened in 1802 and eventually was renamed the Jolly Drovers in order to regain its spirit licence.  As the Lamb, its reputation was less than stellar and it ultimately lost its spirit license around 7-8 September 1847

“owing to the disorderly manner in which the house had been conducted. The magistrates said it was illegal for them to allow transfer of licence to a brewery clerk until a new tenant was found. The brewers argued that the conduct of the house had not changed since 1845 or 1846 and licences had been renewed then. One of the magistrates, Mr. Willett, said that he had made up his mind that he would sign no licence to a house that had been proved to be a common brothel. For the brewers, Mr. Steward accepted that disorderly tenants should be turned out and the houses be shut for a time, until their bad character was destroyed. The 10 magistrates agreed that the decision to withdraw the licence would stand.” 

In addition to being a waterman, by trade, George Mann was a public house licencee.  A licencee served as the in-residence public house manager as well as holding the pub licence.  Often, the reputation of the licensee and his or her ability to maintain the house order determined if the licence would be revoked or re-issued.

It appears that George Mann had only recently arrived at the house and was not held responsible for the bad reputation since he was allowed to take on a new licence for the renamed establishment.

George Mann was the licensee for the Lamb from September 3, 1847 and continued under the name Jolly Drovers until his departure in 1854.  During that period of time, there were no published reports of disturbances at the Jolly Drovers and it may be assumed that George ran a very respectable house.  

As the licensee for the public house, George Mann was allowed to live in the house rent-free or for a much-reduced rent.  Among the boarders, living at the Jolly Drovers were:

William Rudd, 27, Tinman; Maria Jones, 20, Shoe Binder; George Smith, 30 Drover; Mary Wilson, 26, Dress maker; Richard Jackson, 29, Ostler [a term for someone who took care of people’s horses when they stopped at an inn]; Sarah Nackholds, 23, Shirt Maker; Mary Johnson, 20, Hawker; John Hillington, 27, Malster; and Mary Lea, 23, Doss Maker [term unknown].

After 1854, George and his family moved to another residence on Ber Street in the Scotts Yard.  His profession was now listed as a painter in the 1861 and 1871 census.  By 1881 he was working with the railroad as an engine cleaner.

Ber Street public houses were worthy of their reputation.

In August 1859 the Collector of Excise informed the magistrates:-
“That there were 735 Public-houses and 43 Beer-shops in Norwich.
A larger number than existed in any town in the kingdom of the same population.”

By 1801, the population of Norwich had been officially recorded at 36,238.  By the early Victorian period the population had nearly doubled, reaching nearly 62,000 in 1841 and rising to just over 68,000 in 1851.  Norwich had one of the highest ratios of pubs per person than any other city in England.  

The need for beer and spirits provided a social benefit to the working-class population, and also to provide a healthy liquid for consumption.  They must have known from experience that beer made from fermented hops would not lead to the disease and illness in some way linked with an inadequate and unsanitary water supply. There is a causal link between the need to avoid drinking polluted water and the consequent consumption of alcoholic drink made through a process that rendered its water content safe and tasty. 

But with the large consumption of alcoholic beverages, came a certain amount of public mischief.  Some of the stories coming out of Ber Street were taken from the magistrate courts which oversaw the licencing for the public houses.  Here is a sampling of some of those stories.

When Reuben Widdows, age 45, was the licencee for the Lamb from 1841-1844, there was a case before the court regarding theft.   

“Tuesday 26th June 1844 - Sarah Webster was to be imprisoned for 12 months having pleaded guilty to stealing blankets and bed-linen from the public house of Reuben Widdows in St Michael at Thorn.”

When Matthew Wood was the licencee from 1854 to 1858, the spirit licence was refused on August 23, 1858 due to the conduct of the Mr. Wood, himself.

“At the licensing session held Monday 23rd August 1858 it was heard that Matthew Wood had been convicted in June of being drunk and disorderly and of subsequent improper conduct in court. In consequence his licence renewal was refused.”

James Ramsay was the licencee in 1859.

“Fined 1s and expenses Tuesday 25th January 1859 for selling out of hours on the previous Sunday.”

Not all licencees in Ber Street public houses were known for their mischief.  Some like Gregory Robinson, who was the licensee for the Bulls Head public house on Ber Street, was a notable character.

“Licensee Gregory Robinson served in the navy and was with Lord Howe on the 1st June 1794 (French Revolutionary War) and in several other engagements.  He was one of the crew of the St. George which was wrecked off the coast of Jutland on the night of 24th December 1811. A three decker, the St George had a crew of about 700, only 10 survived. The ship Defence also floundered and only six of her crew survived. Mr. Robinson was in the water for thirty-three hours.  He was wrecked on two other occasions.  Died Sunday 16th November 1845 - age 72”

Or, the likes of William Blyth, whose popularity in the boxing ring, made him particularly notable to local politicians.

“Landlords who owed part at least of their popularity and trade to their former abilities in the boxing ring included “Cock” Blyth who was landlord at the ‘Bulls Head’ in Ber Street, a Morgan public house, between 1867 and 1872 and who then moved west, outside the walls, to the ‘Villa Gardens’ in Lakenham, privately owned by Edward Trafford of Wroxham, from 1872 to 1880. Blyth was one of several who brought together not only a connection between fighting and drink but also a link with politics since he served as a ‘minder’ for the leading Liberal politician in Norwich, Jacob Henry Tillett.”

Although drinking establishments were a favourite recruiting ground for swaying votes in upcoming elections, not all dealings at the pub were viewed favorably by the local magistrates.  An example is the case below.

“On Friday 2nd April 1886, Justices Denman and Cave heard accusations of illegal or corrupt practices in the Elections.  Robert Bush, a music master, admitted to treating some men at the Bull's Head, giving each a scarf, showing Conservative colours, and enjoining them to vote for Bullard. The music master lost his vote.”

Within walking distance of the Jolly Drovers and Bulls Head public houses was the Jolly Butchers.

“On Saturday 20th March 1852 it was reported that 19 year old William Brown had been charged with having killed and slain John Heartly.   John Blyth deposed, that he kept the JOLLY BUTCHERS,, Ber-street. On Christmas-day last, Heartly and Browne were in his house. They quarrelled and fought. Witness tried to part them and held Heartly in his arms but he broke away and two or three times hit the prisoner, who was being held by Mrs. Blyth. The prisoner then broke away and both of them went into the yard and there fought with their fists. Witness parted them again and took Heartly into the house and shut the door but he broke out and into the yard and fought with Browne for half-an-hour. After that they shook hands and washed themselves. Heartly was of a quarrelsome disposition and had fought before. After the last fight he was taken to the hospital.
Mr Nichols, surgeon to the hospital, said that he had seen the deceased on December 26th and he was then suffering from severe injuries, caused by blows received. He continued suffering until January 6th when he died.
The Judge, in summing up, remarked on the various degrees in the offence of manslaughter, and said in this case the prisoner was greatly to be pitied, but still the law would allow no fighting, and no breach of the peace.
The jury returned a verdict of guilty with a recommendation to mercy. Sentenced to imprisonment with hard labour for one week.

Mr. John Blyth applied for licence renewal at the Annual Licensing Sessions, 1852.  Having no knowledge of complaints, Mr. Blyth expected the licence to be renewed as a matter of course and did not attend the hearing. Unfortunately for him, Superintendent Dunne reported that it was `a low lodging house and receptacle for thieves, prostitutes and characters of the worst description'.

At the Adjourned Sessions, Monday 11th October 1852, Police Sergeant Steward was called and confirmed the nature of the parties that used the house but added that Mr. Blyth had always given every facility to the police and conducted the house as well as it could be.
One of the four magistrates said it would be hard to deprive a man of his bread under such circumstances and thieves had to go somewhere. No tenant should be responsible for such types if he did not assist or protect them.
The licence was granted with Mr. Blyth being cautioned to keep his house orderly and as respectable as possible.”

At the rear of the Jolly Butchers stood the accommodation known as Days Lodging House by 1920's. Mr (William) Day was previously head cellarman for Morgans Brewery. The youngest of his 9 children was Sidney James Day VC (died 1959), he had won the Victoria Cross during WWII.

The house was later known as BLACK ANNA's after the formidable landlady Antoinette Hannent. The jazz sessions held at the house during Black Anna's long reign became legendary, with Anna leading on vocals.This house was eventually converted into offices 1990, following closure of the public house in August 1989.

 

Genealogy of George Mann.

George Mann is connected to the Adams family through the marriage of his grandson Gilbert Maurice Mann to Gladys Adams (my grandmother).  Gladys was the daughter of George "Pikey" William Welch-Adams.

George Mann was the third of at least 4 children born to Christopher Mann (1782-1846) and Mary Ann Taylor (1785-    ).  He was born on January 12, 1812, in Norwich, Norfolk, England and baptized at St. Peter Southgate Church on January 19, 1812.  His siblings included Henry-Riches Mann (1804-1869), Mary Ann Mann (1810-    ), and Robert Mann (1814-1893). On November 23, 1834, he married Anne Copeman at Thorpe Episcopal Church in Norwich.

George and Anne had seven children.  They were:

      1. Mary Ann Mann, born 1835

2.      2. Christopher Mann, born 1837 and died 1839.

3.     3. Sarah Anne Mann, born on October 22, 1841, in Norwich.  She was baptized on December 18, 1842, at St. John de Sepulchre, Norwich.  Possibly married Robert Nichols (1835-1866).  She died in October 1923.

4.      4. Christopher Mann, born 20 November 1845. Baptized 17 December 1845 at St. John de Sepulchre, Norwich.  He married Mary Ann Mann (1856-1923) in 1873 and died about June 1919 in Norwich.  Their children were:

                                I.            Christopher Mann (1875-1924)

                              II.            Maria Mann (1877-    )

                            III.            Harry Mann (1881-    )

                            IV.            Minnie Eliza Mann (1885-1963)

                              V.            Alice Kate Mann (1890-    )

5.     5. Randall Edward Mann, born 3 May 1849. Baptized on 27 May 1849 at St. Peter Southgate, Norwich.  Married, first, Eliza Playford, (1850-1875), daughter of Ambrose Playford (1807-1883) and Elizabeth Hicks Pilborough (1815-1867).  They were married on July 23, 1871, at St. Julian’s Church, Norwich.  Randall died on March 28, 1918, in Wymondham, Norfolk.  Their children were:

                                I.            Gertrude Eliza Mann (1872-1931)

                              II.            Randall Edward Mann (1874-1892)

After the death of his first wife, Randall Edward Mann married Jane Wright (1846-1921) on August 10, 1876, in Norwich.  Jane was the widow of Thomas William Skoyles (1843-1936) and had three children through this marriage.  From this marriage to Randal Edward Mann, they had seven children:

I.           Matilda Mann (1876-1963)

II.         Rosa Mann (1877-1964)

III.       Katie Mann (1879-1964)

IV.       Edward Mann (1882-1963)

V.         Ernest Mann (1884-1970)

VI.       George M Mann (1887-1978)

VII.     Emily Mann (1889-1969)

6.     6. George Albert Mann, born May 16, 1853, in Norwich.  He was baptized on June 12, 1853, at St. Peter Southgate, Norwich.  He married Sarah Caroline Murrell (1855-1931) in July 1874 in Norwich. 

Sarah Caroline was the daughter of George Burkin Murrell (1817-1870) and Sarah Basham (1819-1895).  During most of his life, he, like his grandfather in the latter part of his life, worked as an engine cleaner for the Great Eastern Railway.  George Albert Mann died on June 27, 1942, in his home on Spitalfields, Ketts Hill, Norwich during the German blitz during World War II.  He was 89 years old. 

The nine children of George Albert and Sarah Caroline were:

                                I.            Geore Albert Mann (1876-1896)

                              II.            Gertrude Alice Mann (1878-1936)

                            III.            Neville Mann (1881-1918)

                            IV.            Maud Sarah Mann (1883-1945)

                              V.            Sidney Rudolph Mann (1886-1971)

                            VI.            Hackneth Agnes Mann (1889-1968)

                          VII.            Gilbert Maurice Mann (1892-1952) married Gladys May Adams.

                      VIII.       Claud Gerald Mann (1895-1895)

                IX.       George Albert Mann (1896-1949)

7.     7. Susannah Mann, born May 6, 1858, in Lakenham, Norwich. She was baptized on June 13, 1858, at St. John de Sepulchre Church, Norwich.  She married Jabez Hirons Cole on September 19, 1875 in Norwich.  Susannah and Jabez had only one child during their marriage:

                                I.            Edith Anne Cole (1876-1926)