This pub is thought to date from before 1800 and by 1808 a Friendly Society was meeting here. In 1854 an inquest was held at the Holly Bush into the death of Eliza Webb, who was murdered by her husband, Nelson Webb, at the Black Dog in Cook Street. He then turned his pistol on himself. Perhaps the goriest part was when the bodies of Nelson and Eliza were laid on the floor before the inquest in an upper room of the Holly Bush. I get the impression that inquests at that time were usually conducted in the presence of the dead bodies.
In 1926 the pub was sold by Charringtons and it closed in 1940. Must have been war damage.
This evergreen shrub with its bright red berries, is now associated with Christmas decoration. Previously it was used by the Romans during the Saturnalia, the period of riotous celebrations extending over seven days, often ending in drunken debauchery. The Saturnalia was also celebrated in December. |
