The Kings Arms
The Kings Arms Public House is a Grade II Listed Building and has a small number of buildings at the rear that may originally have been used for both domestic and agricultural purposes, but equally could later have been used in the boot and shoe industry.
It is an 18th century building with a date stone 1839, which reflects the re-modelling that was carried out in the 19th century.
The Kings Arms has a large function room and it is probably for that reason it has been used for many auctions over the years.
Landlords
1764
The Kings Arms was available to be let. (M Brown Directory)
1790 & 1792
The licensee of the Kings Arms was John Henson. (Northamptonshire quarter sessions, Oundle Division – Ale house keepers Recognizances)
1823 & 24
The licensee was Dorothy Sanderson. (Pigot and Co’s London and provincial new commercial directory)
1830
John Sanderson was listed at the pub. (M Brown Directory)
England Census – Kings Arms Inn, High Street, Thrapston – 7th April 1861
John Branson Victualler Age: 34 Born: Glatton, Huntingdonshire, England
Kate Branson Wife Age: 39 Born: Leighton, Bedfordshire
John T Branson Son Age: 11 Born: Cunnington, Huntingdonshire
Kate E Branson Daughter Age: 6 Born: Thrapston, Northamptonshire
Servants: Maryann Robinson 22 Sarah Ruff 18 Thomas Musson 26
Lodger: Thomas Firkins 26
Serious Accident – 15th July 1865
The son of Mr Branson of the Kings Arms Inn met with a very serious accident. The youth is engaged as a clerk in the goods department in connection with the London & North Western Railway and is highly esteemed for his business-like habits and good conduct. On the morning of the 15th, he was taking account of the arrival of a goods train and for that purpose ascended one of the detached trucks (unfortunately perhaps too soon) when another truck came with great force against the one he was standing on. The youth was unable to keep his footing and fell on the metals, when one of the ponderous wheels passed over his right arm, completely smashing it. He was immediately taken home, and medical attendance having been procured. In consequence of the limb being so crushed it was considered necessary to amputate it above the elbow joint. The poor sufferer bore the operation with great fortitude and is likely to do well. (Northampton Mercury)
Independent Order of Odd Fellows – 10th January 1867
Members and friends of the Loyal Nelson Lodge Independent Order of Odd Fellow, Manchester Unity, celebrated their anniversary at the Kings Arms Inn. A very appetising repast was provided by Host Branson. (Northampton Mercury)
Law & Order – 5th July 1869
John William Perkins, of Islip, was arrested for assaulting PC Tate of Thrapston. At about 11 pm, PC Tate found John Perkins outside the Kings Arms Inn insulting the landlord Mr Branson. Perkins struck PC Tate and also knocked off his hat. He was found guilty and sent to gaol for one month. (Northampton Mercury)
Tragedy – 18th December 1869
John Branson, for several years the landlord of the Kings Arms Inn, Thrapston committed suicide by a gun shot, having gone missing from home two days previously. A verdict of temporary insanity was returned by the Jury at the Inquest. (Stamford Mercury)
More from the Independent Order of Odd Fellows – 20th January 1870
The members of the Loyal Nelson Lodge 2892, Manchester Unity Independent Order of Odd Fellows held their anniversary at the Kings Arms Thrapston. A capital repast was provided by hostess Branson. (Northampton Mercury)
England Census – Kings Arms, High Street, Thrapston – 2nd April 1871
Catharine Branson Widow Inn Keeper Age: 51 Born: Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire
Kate E Branson Daughter Age: 16 Born: Thrapston, Northamptonshire
Servants: Ann Mayes 17 Frederic Merry 22
Yet more from the Independent Order of Odd Fellows –
12th January 1872
The anniversary of the Loyal Nelson Lodge (Thrapston) of Odd Fellows , Manchester Unity, was celebrated at hostess Bramson’s Kings Arms Inn, Thrapston. Between 60 and 70 gentlemen sat diown to eat a cpital dinner, served in the usually creditable style of the establishment. (Northampton Mercury)
6th January 1873
The Wellingborough district of the Manchester Unity of Independent Order of Odd Fellows held their annual half-yearly meeting in the lodge room at the Kings Arms Inn, Thrapston. (Northampton Mercury)
Vestry Meeting – 9th September 1880
A Vestry meeting appointed the landlord of the Kings Arms Inn, Mr Taylor, as Assistant Overseer of the Parish. (Northampton Mercury)
Choir Trip to Hunstanton – 3rd September 1881
Members of the parish church choir were treated to a trip to Hunstanton on the London & North Western Railway. A saloon carriage was chartered and 43 members of the choir with about a dozen adults occupied the carriage. Refreshments were supplied by Mr A Taylor, Kings Arms Hotel, Thrapston. Lunch was eaten as the train approached Wisbech, dinner at two o’clock at Hunstanton and tea at the same place with plenty of shrimps. After enjoying a “whiff” of the briny” and engaging in the usual seaside pastimes, the happy party returned home. Great credit is due to the originators of the holiday who collected about £10 for the purpose. Neither must be forgotten the excellent catering of Mr & Mrs Taylor, which contributed so much to the day’s enjoyment. (Northampton Mercury)
England Census – Kings Arms Hotel, High Street, Thrapston – 3rd April 1881
Albert Taylor Licensed Victualler Age: 39 Born: Kings Cliffe, Northamptonshire
Sarah Ann Taylor Wife Age: 24 Born: Southwick, Northamptonshire
Servants: Charles Butcher 22 Eliza Ward 16
Chicherley Lodge of Freemasons – 7th November 1881
The Chicherley Lodge of Freemasons, No 607, held their lodge meeting at the Kings Arms Hotel. The banquet was ably placed on the table by the enterprising host and hostess of the Kings Arms Hotel, Mr & Mrs Albert Taylor. (Northampton Mercury)
Quoits Club – 1880s and 90s
The Quoit Club held their committee meetings at the Kings Arms Hotel. They would also celebrate the end of season with a supper in the large club house attached to the Hotel. A capital supper was served by Host Gray in 1889. (Northampton Mercury)
Accident at Michaelmas Fair – 16th October 1883
An accident happened during the Michaelmas Fair to Mr Elderton, of Ellington, who slipped backwards in the yard of the Kings Arms Hotel, and sustained a severe injury to the back of his head. Dr Masters was called in, and after treatment, the sufferer was sent home in a fly. (Northampton Mercury)
Sale of the Premises – March 1890
The Kings Arms, a full-licensed house in Thrapston with excellent stables, coach house, yard and billiard room, currently occupied by Mr Thomas Gray,was purchased by Messers. P. Phipps for £1850. (Northampton Mercury)
England Census – Kings Arms Inn, High Street, Thrapston – 5th April 1891
Thomas Gray Publican Age: 47 Born: Molesworth, Huntingdonshire
Elizabeth A Gray Wife Age: 38 Born: Molesworth, Huntingdonshire
William P Gray Son Age: 14 Born: Molesworth, Huntingdonshire
Hilda P Gray Daughter Age: 12 Born: Molesworth, Huntingdonshire
Elizabeth Pashler Mother in Law Age: 66 Born: Bedford, Bedfordshire
Servant: Annie J M Connell 18
Mr J T Whitney – 26th October 1900
Mr J. T. Whitney was accepted as the succeeding tenant of the Victoria Hotel at Rushden. Mr Whitney has been proprietor of the Kings Arms Hotel at Thrapston for four or five years, and during his tenancy made himself very popular. This hotel has been greatly improved and has the credit of having a good market trade. (Northampton Mercury)
William Beal
Mr William Beal is spoken as the successor to Mr Whitney. Mr Beal is the duly appointed Veterinary Surgeon under the Contagious Diseases (Animals) Act and has a good local practice. He is well known amongst all the farmers for many miles. (Northampton Mercury)
England Census – Kings Arms Inn, High Street, Thrapston- 31st March 1901
William Beal Veterinary Surgeon Age: 47 Born: Thrapston, Northamptonshire
Ellen A Beal Wife Publican Age: 43 Born: Thrapston, Northamptonshire
Frederick W Beal Son Cabinet Maker Age: 18 Born: Thrapston, Northamptonshire
Servants: Ethel Hume 25 Nellie Brown 17
1910 Kellys Directory
- Beal Fredrick – landlord At Kings Arms Commercial hotel and posting house
- Northamptonshire Yeomanry (T.F) (B Squadron) assembles Tuesdays for drill at Kings arm Hotel (John L.Mills, Major)
England Census – Kings Arms, High Street, Thrapston – 2nd April 1911 –
Fredrick William Beal Publican Age: 28 Born: Thrapston, Northamptonshire
Florence Annie Beal Wife Married 3 years Age: 24 Born: Glapthorn, Oundle
Had one child that died soon after birth
Servant: Agnes Jacobs 18
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