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Huthwaites Past Public Houses

The Portland Arms

One of our earliest public houses inititally identified among the historic Gazetteer entries covering growth of Hucknall-under-Huthwaite. Extracted from those Trade Directories comes the dated listings of these given tennants, the first of whom help recognise it was formerly called The Gate.

The Gate 1828-1830

An 1828 trade directory names John Butterworth publican at The Gate. Becoming run shortly after by Samuel Bower, his second entry dated 1832 offers first reference at The Portland Arms.

Whilst Huthwaite still only maintained a few pubs, renaming The Gate is clearly suggested under Bowers occupancy. Naming does seem decriptive for the time when being sited upon the main highway actually edging originally smaller hamlet boundaries. A landmarked building defining earliest division entering Sutton, long before our own parish borders became extended as noted by Kellys 1912 directory.

Honouring Titled Dukes of Portland

There's little doubt behind why choosing The Portland Arms. The titled Dukes of Portland were our ruling Lord covering all the ancient Mansfield Manor. Allocated with responsibility for owning majority the kings once forested lands over Ashfield.

This was common method for showing dutiful respect to anyone holding such powerful landowner rights. Timing also coincides with the current Duke setting out some major area improvements, specifically marking full width for surfacing this main through road. Becoming addressed upon Sutton Road, The Portland Arms stood high atop corner of Skegby Road facing Mill Lane. After seeing out some remarkable village changes itself, custom generally declined throughout the 1990's. However most were shocked suddenly witnessing a recorded 2000 demolition which finally lost sighting of this front signage portraying the Duke.

Kept mainly within the Bower family throughout the 19th century, I'm delighted able to share a rare glimpse of that original building. Estimating date from tramlines laid 1907, they ran into 1932 still shown above in a recognised transformation.

Nevertheless, my findings can now reveal the Portland Arms was bought by Shipstones Brewery in 1909. Better dating with good reason its upgrade.

Conveyance papers identify Emlyn Bower as the licensed victualler of the Portland Arms Inn who seems to profit well from its sale among land measuring 3r and 12p including outbuildings and two cottages. Vested interest is shared by a Huthwaite builder perhaps more notably named Edwin Howard Lowe. But Emlyn retitled farmer proceeds to acquire new land for siting a home upon the area forming Lime Avenue.

Uniquely owned in Huthwaite by James Shipstone and Sons Ltd of the Star Brewery, Basford, the Shipo's beers held less favour against Mansfield or Nottinghams Home Ales. Nevertheless, despite long service and prominent positioning, historic photos and related tenant genealogy still proves quite elusive.

Proudly keeping the first village pool table, I recall occasional visits prior its much needed modernisation. A full 1980s revamp gained inside toilets and kitchens encouraging full popularity under the most successful management by Keith and Sue. Changing hands several times, it's decline inevitably followed coal mining closures. Unfortunately and rather surprisingly still no photos gathered so far for sharing happier times.

We do gain final snaps of the Portland Arms demolition by Brian Hayes. Good to find oversea readers also attracted into sharing site interests. Especially being sent this nostalgic view of the original Portland Arms pub sign. Bernd Frost lives in Portland Canada where it is shown proudly hanging upon his home barn offered a new lease of life.