Located on Howard Street between Rows 43 and 44.

The COLCHESTER INN to c1901

On Friday 13th January 1905 the licence was transferred and it was stated by the owner, Mr. Benjafield, that the rent was assessed at £45 per year, but he would not let it out for less than £50. it was a Free House.

On Thursday 2nd February 1905, an application was made for a music licence. It was heard that the licensee, Mr. Benjafield had held such a licence at the BLACK SWAN for sixteen years ** without any complaint. There was adequate provision for oversight of the music room and ample exits. The room was 13ft 9in by 24ft and a ceiling height of 9ft 3in. There was no opposition from the neighbours and the Chief Constable agreed that the room was fit for purpose. After private deliberation, the magistrates declined the application.


On Thursday 13th February 1920, Mrs Searles was summoned for permitting her licensed premises to be the habitual resort of persons of ill-repute and of allowing them to remain longer than was necessary to obtain reasonable refreshment, between 18th October 1918 and January 31st 1920.
Although considered a proper case to be brought before the Magistrates, the charges were dismissed, a caution issued and an order made to pay costs only.

** Mr Benjafield is first found at the Black Swan in 1892 and apparently left by 1901, so it seems a maximum of ten years?