Burning of the Pope? Yes, you heard right. We are standing in front of the Green Dragon. It’s a pub steeped in London history.
The Green Dragon Tavern stood at 56 Fleet Street. It was first mentioned in 1636. This historic spot witnessed London’s transformation. The Great Fire destroyed the Green Dragon. But it was rebuilt in 1667. It was set back six feet from its original spot.
In 1678, the Green Dragon played a key role. Two clubs met here to discuss the Papish plot. Imagine the hushed tones and worried faces. Roger North stood here during the annual burning of the Pope ceremony. He watched the spectacle unfold.
The Globe Lodge met at the Green Dragon in 1748. This shows the pub was a gathering place for various groups. Public houses, taverns, inns, beer houses and hotels are historical to London.
Let’s jump forward to 1795. Thomas Potter is listed as a resident. In 1805 and 1811, Philip Palmer ran the Green Dragon wine vaults at 57 Fleet Street. The Palmers were a constant presence. Mr. Palmer is mentioned in the Licensed Victuallers Association records of 1825 and April 1827.
William Palmer took over in 1829. He is listed in Robson’s Directory. The Pigot’s Directory lists him from 1833 to 1834. James Randall Hobbs joined him in 1836. They ran the Green Dragon at 56 and 57 Fleet Street.
Insurance records from 1836 show William Palmer and James Randall Hobbs insured the Green Dragon. Ralph Thomas Fellowes insured ‘The Green Dragon’ in 1838. He was a victualler.
The 1841 census gives us a snapshot of life here. Ralph Fellowes, 35, was the victualler. Mary Fellowes, 20, was also present. Other residents included Thomas Goldsworthy, Joseph Priestley, and John Winton. Alexander Menzies, Susan Robins, Mary Ward and Catherine Patch also lived here.
R T Fellows is listed in the 1842 Robson’s Directory. John Bathe became the licensee of the Green Dragon. He remained until 1847.
In 1845, John Bathe applied for Freedom of the City. He paid £5. He described himself as a victualler. He occupied the Green Dragon on Fleet Street.
Edward Low took over in 1848 and 1849. The 1851 census provides more details about Edward Low. He was a 51-year-old victualler from Scotland. His wife, Elizabeth, was 46. Their children Adam, Jane, John, James, Charles, and Robert lived there. James Mark, Ann Usher, Susan Ford and Alexander Taylor were also residents.
The Era newspaper reported a license transfer in 1858. Edward Low, a bankrupt, passed the license to William Comber.
The 1861 census describes William Comber as a 37-year-old victualler. His wife Penelope was 27. Servants Georgiana Winter, John Roberts, Rebecca Arnold, Emma Pottney, Allace Swain, Mary Ann Parker and Alfred Worby lived there. George Rebson, an engraver, boarded at the Green Dragon.
Alfred Dickinson became the licensee in 1869. The 1871 census lists Alfred Dickinson as a 48-year-old licensed victualler. His wife Julia and their children Frederick, Mary Ann and Ambrose lived there. Robert Bradbury, George Britten, Thomas Phillips and Elizabeth Lindstrom were also residents. Catherine Davis, Elizabeth Latimor, William Phillips and Robert H Pearson also stayed here.
Directories from 1874, 1878, 1882 and 1884 list A Dickinson. In 1886, it was Alf Dickinson, Green Dragon Tavern.
The 1881 census paints a vivid picture. Alfred Dickinson, 57, was the licensed victualler. His wife Julia, 56, and children Robert and Mary lived with him. Abigail Perkins, Alfred’s mother-in-law, also lived there. Fredk A Polgeran, Mary A Eranshaw, Minnie Laws, Mary Ann Deacon, Elizabeth Lloyds, Mary Ann Peacock, Alfred J Paramior, Edwin Sanderson, Chas Coote and David Hughes were also residents.
George Warman & Co. are listed in 1891. Daish & Co. appear in 1895. Thomas Ridge Mander is listed in 1899.
The 1901 census shows Thomas R Mander, 44, as the licensed victualler. Elizabeth A Slight was the manageress. Edgar W Slight, Harriet Rickwood, Lilian Higgs, Emily Elson, Henrietta Hendrick, Hilda Adams, May Edwards, Alice J Slight, John C Bayley and Emma Bayley lived here.
Richard Buckler is listed in directories from 1906 and 1910. Alice Maude Lampard was the manageress in 1911. The census reveals more about the staff. Emily Minnie Bainard, Florence Swain, Ethel Annie Swain, Mary Butler and William Thomas Pearson worked here.
The Green Dragon has witnessed centuries of London life. From Papish plots to family life, it has been a constant. As we move on, remember the stories within these walls.