c1950

The effects of John Barron, late blacksmith of North Walsham, deceased, were to be distributed to his Representatives at a gathering here Wednesday 28th February 1781.

According to Mary Hardy's diary, Mr William Hardy went to Holt on Monday 22nd December 1783 and purchased the Black Boys public house for the sum of 100 Guineas, paying the Lord of the Manor £14 and the Steward 3 Guineas.

Mrs. Hopkins named as keeper at the house when on Friday 31st January 1834, a fight broke out between James Bird, a cooper, who was exceedingly drunk and very outrageous and William Chapman, a butcher, who was severely provoked. Following blows they both fell with Bird under Chapman. It was then discovered that Bird was seriously injured. On the following Sunday Bird died, having suffered a burst bladder and other internal injuries. A verdict of self-defence was returned by the jury at the resulting inquest.
The keeper of the house, Mrs. Hopkins could not have been expected effectually to interfere; but surely the constable of the parish could have been called to stop such a disgraceful scene.........

At the Licensing Session held Monday 22nd August 1870, Mr. Durrant was reluctant to pay the £5 fine imposed upon him for drawing beer on the day of the Aldborough Fair. The magistrates refused to grant renewal of his licence until the matter was settled, so he paid, but seemed exceedingly loath to part with the money.