A pub with a history

Carlisle in 50 Buildings - The Kings’ Head

I must have walked past this pub many, many times, often to walk through the medieval street - Rosemary Lane. But I have never noticed it . . . until today. It is in the heart of the city centre, behind the Town Hall, and is one of  the oldest pubs in the city. The present building dates from the 17th century, but it is known that there was a hostelry on the site as far back as the 10th century. 

State Management Scheme
During the first World War thousands of workers were drafted in to build and work for the massive munitions factory at Gretna. The growth of drunkenness and disorder in the area was so bad by 1916 that Lloyd George, fearing riots would take place, introduced the Liquor Control Board (known as the Carlisle Experiment) and the running of The Kings Head was taken over by the Board. In 1921 the Board evolved into the Carlisle and District State Management Scheme and The Kings Head was acquired by the State Management in 1922. 

There has been a lot written about Carlisle’s State Management of pubs - I think we may have a book about it. Gordon knew about it first hand, as it was not abolished until 1971. The Kings Head was sold to John Smiths in 1973. 

It seems to be still a going concern, but could do with at least a bit of paint.  

Note - A Mr James Sawyer, a veteran of the Battle of Waterloo, was the owner in 1829.