A Poem written about Hinckley Pubs

A Tour in Verse of Hinckley’s Pubs written by James Harrold in 1840

At Hinckley on a summer’s day I thought to have a spell. And for to have a glass or two went to the Holly Well.

And for my drooping heart to cheer and keeping up the lark. To have a drop of home brewed beer I called at Noahs Ark.

Then I bid my friend adieu, and called at the Cross Keys. The Rose and Crown being nigh. When there I took my ease:

Then at the Crown and Anchor I was so great and free. Away I went so hilly bent to see His Majesty.

Then I faced the Roaring Lion here the sons of friendship meet: And there we had John Barlycorn with harmony complete.

On to the Nags Head and Ram we tipped it o’er and o’er. Then went down to the Brewery where I found it in great store.

The Castle and the Falcon and to the Mason’s Arms: The Bull had proved so glorious gay Bacchus had his charms.

From White Hart to the Gin Shop then to the Globe I stray. Where music sounds, the song goes round to drive dull care away.

The George a noble tavern where gentlemen regale: To Chester and to London, there runs the Royal Mail.

Then to the Granby and the Swan we then together roam. On to the Pig and Whistle, for him to play sweet home.

Then at the Boar I prize my score, and to the Princes Feathers. Then at the Rear is homely fare, in every kind of weather.

The Holly Bush, the Prince of Wales and Boot I must not lose. For many a one will wear the boots, when eke they have no shoes.

From the pleasant Woodbine Cottage and to the Wharf so wide. ‘Twas there we had a pleasant dance by the Navigation side.

Then to the Harrow Inn I hailed to tip a merry flagon. Which made me merry till I found the Horse and the Waggon.

So now returned I come to taste the juices of the Vine. The company was merry there with mirth, high cheer, and wine.

Then fearing not the weather went to Union, Dog and Gun. We were happy all together till I rolled into the Tun.

And now for ‘Rule Britannia’ Britannia rules the wave. Where merry folk can laugh and sing they never will be slaves.

And now to the Plough away my boys just like a Jolly Tar. I went to complete my joys, all at the Blazing Star.

Then I faced another Lion and there was very brief. To find a good old stingo, I went to the Barley Sheaf.

Then to the Duke of Rutland, and with Cap and Stocking. But when the cap doth hide the face, the case is very shocking.

And now the Greyhound Inn I hail, the host so great and free: The pleasant tale the pleasant song, delight the company.

The Dolphin and the Wheatsheaf present a pleasing scene: And then I mounted on my Horse and went to see the Queen.

Now to conclude my journey, I went to ring the Bell. I hope each youth will follow truth and listen to the knell.

Act well your parts each jovial soul, I earnestly exhort. For when the bell does for us all toll there is nothing of the sort.

Written by James Harrold in 1840