Victorian Photo Album Nᵒ.4: The Old Farrier's Arms (Lichfield Street)

Old Farrier's Arms, c. 1880s or 1890s.
Held by Birmingham Archive - WK/B11/1264.

The Old Farrier's Arms was a public house on Lichfield Street, a street which was removed as part of the Corporation Street development, completed in 1903. The buildings were constructed in the eighteenth century, and the pub probably opened in the 1840s. 

In 1849 the Farriers Arms (without the "Old") was being run by George Jones at 100 Lichfield Street. Jones was described as a victualler (old name for a publican) and farrier (a smith who shoes horses).* By 1850 Jones was described as a car proprietor, so owning and running horse drawn cars and carriages.*2* The carriage manufactory next door to the pub, seen in the photograph, was probably set up by Jones. In 1861 the Farrier's Arms was run by Henry Jones, likely George's son, but the address had changed to 123 Lichfield Street.*3* It is unlikely that the pub had moved, but instead the house numbers had altered, as this was common in the Victorian period. 

By 1875 it was the "Old" Farrier's Arms and run by Mary Bowen.*4* 

Victorian Typography and Lamp Design

Patron With Pipe and Bowler Hat

Georgian Door Pediment and Entrance to Carriage Works