Huthwaites Past Public Houses

Portland Arms

First listing found identifying by name the Portland Arms appears in Whites 1832 commercial directory covering Hucknall-under-Huthwaite. The licencee or victualler was then a Samuel Bower, but I believe it more than coincidental he was earlier found also called a publican at The Gate in the 1830 directory.

The Gate 1828-1830

Our first area listing in Pigots 1828 trade directory named John Butterworth as The Gate publican. It was one of only three initially identified Huthwaite pubs, found shortly after next run by Samuel Bower. Listing him again as a publican in 1832, then at the Portland Arms clearly suggests its renaming.

Wishing to clarify this understanding led me into wondering about reasons for chosen names. A clue can be found among Kelly's 1912 village description, stating part of Sutton parish added to Huthwaite. Earliest village mapping display clearer matters with knowledge the main highway was called Hucknall Lane just around point near todays cemetery. Whilst few houses stood upon these remoter Sutton Road heights, here recognised a divisional line separating Huthwaite from Sutton-in-Ashfield. Hence its historic building when facing a Huthwaite windmill recognised our village gate, or old Sutton boundary.

Honouring Titled Dukes of Portland

There must be little doubt behind why renaming chose title The Portland Arms. The titled Dukes of Portland historically became our ruling Lord covering all the ancient Mansfield Manor. Allocated with responsibility for owning majority the kings once forested lands here among Ashfield, this was common method for showing dutiful respect to anyone holding such powerful landowner rights.

The timing of a historic renaming happens to coincide with a Dukes involvment starting some village improvements. Firstly measuring width to mark surfacing this main village roadway fullest length into Sutton. Here the facing Portland Arms is seen closed, but stood sited atop corner Skegby Road.

The pubs front signage board did show the Dukes portrait. Last captured above in a 2000 video, recording full site demolition gratefully supplied by Mr Brian Hayes.

A Shipstones house that did gain full popularity after a total 1980s revamp. Successfully managed by Keith and Sue who introduced pub meals, disco nights and various teams into sports such as pool, skittles, five-a-side football, darts and dominoes. New video games machines, cards, bar table skittles and arm wrestling added individual competitiveness. Enthusiasts kept staging Country and Western nights, although regular custom gradually dropped off under increasing competition between local pubs and busy town night clubs.

I will be endeavouring to cover the pubs fuller history, appreciating helpful reminders and photographs.

Published 15 Dec 04   Revised 09 Jul 2007