Wickham Arms

Another long-established pub in the centre of the town, although perhaps not quite as historic as one would think. According to a newspaper article the premises was built by William Clayton in 1871 on the site where once stood the Waggon & Horses. To confuse matters, there is an entry as early as 1857 in the Post Office directory naming the Wickham Arms with William Clayton as the landlord. The premises were named after the Wickham family who were owners of the Low Moor Iron Company.

For earlier entries see the Waggon & Horses.

1857 - Kelly's Post Office Directory lists William Clayton at the Wickham Arms. He is also & farmer. It can only be assumed at this time, that the Waggon & Horses had now been renamed.

7 Apr 1861 - Census entry - Lane End, Cleckheaton. Premises not named but evidence suggests it was here.
William CLAYTON  Head  M  48  Publican & farmer 28 acres emp 1 lab  Clifton

Ann CLAYTON  Wife  M  55

Ann CLAYTON  Dau  U  19  Housemaid  Cleckheaton

Joseph CLAYTON  Son  18  (Blind)

William CLAYTON  Son  15  Scholar

Maria BROOK  Serv  U  18  Servant  Bradford
Joshua LAW  Boarder  M  43  Woollen card maker  Birstal 

2 Apr 1871 - Census entry - Wickham Arms, St. Peg Lane.
William CLAYTON  Head  M  58  Licensed victualler  Cleckheaton

Mrs CLAYTON  Wife  M  61

William CLAYTON  Son  U  25  Waiter at inn

Sarah PEEL  Serv  Wid  65  Servant domestic 

19 Apr 1878 - Newspaper Article - William Clayton, landlord of the Wickham Arms was seriously injured when he was thrown from his horse and trap at Low Moor.

3 Apr 1881 - Census - Wickham Arms, Peg Lane. William Clayton recorded as landlord with son William his assistant.

24 Aug 1882 - Death Notice - William Clayton, aged 70, of the Wickham Arms, Cleckheaton.

29 Sep 1882 - Probate - William Clayton, publican of Cleckheaton who died 24 Aug 1882 left an estate valued at £506 11s 6d.

26 May 1883 - To Let - Wickham Arms, Cleckheaton. Lately occupied by William Clayton, deceased, with capital brewhouse and plant, stables, loose boxes, coach house, shed and every convenience. This hotel was built by the late occupier 12 years ago and is acknowledged to be the best adapted house for the trade in the district.

14 Nov 1887 - Inquest - Landlord recorded as Richard Henry Speed.

23 Oct 1890 - Newspaper Article - A serious gas explosion occurred at the Wickham Arms and the landlord, William Poppleton and a waiter called George Cooper were seriously injured. The explosion took place in the best room, caused considerable damage to the fittings and was heard from afar.

5 Apr 1891 - Census - Wickham Arms, St. Peg Lane. Landlord recorded as William Poppleton and family.

2 Mar 1895 - Divorce - The Divorce Court granted Alice Greenwood a Decree Nisi against her husband Arthur Greenwood, formerly the proprietor of the Wickham Arms on the grounds of cruelty and adultery.

16 Feb 1899 - Court Case - Willie Briggs, landlord of the Wickham Arms was charged with having sold adulterated (watered down) whisky. Defendant blamed an assistant but was fined 40 shillings with costs.

Oct 1900 - Brewery - Acquired by William Whitaker  & Co.

2 Dec 1901 - Court Case - William Henry Thornton, landlord of the Wickham Arms, was charged with allowing his house to be used for betting. Fined £5 with costs.

2 Apr 1911 - Census - Wickham Arms, St. Peg Lane. Landlord recorded as James Edwin Stewart and family.

19 Jun 1921 - Census entry - Wickham Arms Hotel (11 rooms)
Henry HIRST  Head  M  50y 5m, Hartshead, Publican (E), At home
Aggie HIRST  Wife  M  45y 7m, Brighouse, Home duties
Mary GREEN  Servant  U  23y 6m, Brighouse, Servant (P)

22 Jun 1916 - Court Case - Henry Hirst of the Wickham Arms was fined £5 for refusing to admit the police serving a summons.

29 Sep 1939 - 1939 Register entry - 15 St. Peg Lane (also 2 Brooke Street)
Ernest E RILEY  b. 20 Mar 1877  M  Publican
Eliza RILEY  b. 29 Mar 1879  M  Sales etc, public house
Margaret POTTAGE  b. 28 Mar 1899  S  Domestic servant (later married name Graham)

23 Aug 1944 - Licence Transfer - From Ernest Edward Riley to Thomas Broome, formerly of Shipley.