Home > Cambridgeshire > Helpston > Royal Oak Royal Oak
Date of photo: c1918	Picture source: Shirley Martin
The Royal Oak was situated at 18 Woodgate. This grade-II listed pub is now used as a private residence.
Source: Neal McKenna
Lincolnshire Chronicle, 12.5.1837: … an inquest was held at the Royal Oak, in Helpstone, … Hunts, Bedford & Peterborough Gazette, 13.5.1837: An inquest was held at the Royal Oak, in Helpstone, ... Cambridge Independent Press, 16.5.1840 & 30.5.1840: “TO BREWERS, MALTSTERS, MERCHANTS, AND CAPITALISTS. THE FOLLOWING VALUABLE ESTATES WILL BE SOLD BY AUCTION, BY GEORGE BRISTOW, At the Saracen’s Head, Peterborough … by order of the Commissioners in a Fiat of Bankruptcy against James and Thomas Hill, Merchants, Brewers, and Co-partners, and under the direction of the assignees of the said Bankrupts; … Lot 23. All that FREEHOLD BEER HOUSE, Garden and Premises, in Helpstone, called the “Royal Oak,” in the occupation of John Cluff; and also a DWELLING HOUSE and Garden adjoining thereto, in the occupation of ----- Snow.” 1851 managed by John Cluff, who also ran a business as a wheelwright employing four men. John Clare was one of four men appointed as parish constables in 1846, and later became licensee of the Royal Oak, Helpston. He was also a carpenter and wheelwright. (New light on John Clare’s eldest surviving son by Mary Moyse in John Clare Society Journal, 17, p. 59, 1998) PO Directory of Berks, Northants, … 1854: John Clare, Helpston, Market Deeping – Beer Retailer & wheelwright 1855: Royal Oak - an old licence was found in the old staircase by the builders, after Alice Maud Martin left the Royal Oak Cottage, which was for John Clare dated April 1855. Stamford Mercury, 22.1.1864: … inquest held at the Royal Oak beerhouse, Helpston, … Harrod & Co’s Directory of Beds, … 1876: John Clare, beer retailer and carpenter Stamford Mercury, 10.12.1886: … an inquest the Royal Oak Inn, Helpston, … Kelly’s Directory of Northants, 1890: John Clare, beer retailer and carpenter [and Harrod & Co’s Directory of Beds, … 1890] Peterborough Standard, 25.10.1890: On Saturday evening a public supper was held to commemorate the entry of Mr. Charles Donson, jun., as landlord of the Royal Oak, Helpston, on the retirement of Mr. John Clare. The latter occupied the premises 37 years, and is a distant relative of the Northamptonshire Poet, and proprietor of Clare’s booth, so many years pitched at Bridge Fair. The supper was a most successful affair, the repast being well served by the host. After supper the loyal toasts were given, with songs and recitations, concluding at ten o’clock with “God save the Queen.” About 60 sat down. 1891 census: South Street, Helpston: Charles Donson a wheelwright & publican. He was 25, born Lincolnshire, with wife Elizabeth and son John C. 1896 – 1916: Mr. & Mrs. William Frisby took over in 1896 and left in 1916. (Peterborough Standard, 24.7.1942 report of his death) Kelly’s Directory 1898: William Frisby, beer retailer. 1901 census: William Frisby, 41, publican & railway labourer, born abt 1860 Helpston, with wife and children. Kelly’s Directory 1903: William Frisby, beer retailer Kelly’s Directory, Northants, 1910: William Frisby, beer retailer 1911 census: William Frisby living in Helpston, 51, farm labourer, with wife and family. Kelly’s Directory, Northants, 1914: William Frisby, beer retailer. Phoebe Sanderson appears to have taken over the licence when William Frisby left. She was stated to be a beer retailer in 1920 and 1928 and said to be the landlady of The Royal Oak Inn in 1927 until it closed in September 1929. Peterborough Standard 14.6.1929: Helpston’s Royal Oak The Royal Oak, Helpston, was next considered, the tenant (Mrs. Phoebe Sanderson) opposing the reference in person, while the owners of the house (Messrs. Mowbray and Co., Grantham) were represented b Mr. F. W. Kent. Mr. Percival outlined the case for the reference, and Supt. Hamps said the weekly sales were about half a barrel of beer in the winter and a slightly larger quantity in the summer. There was no bottled beer trade, but minerals were supplied. There was only a small backyard, and the house was thatched. The taproom was used as a living room during the winter months. The Blue Bell was 68 yards away – practically next door, and fully licensed – and the Parting Pot, a beerhouse, 198 yards distant. There were seven licensed houses in the village to a population of 305 – an average of 85 per house. It would cause no inconvenience to any inhabitant of Helpston if the house was closed. Mrs. Sanderson entered the witness box and said to the justices “All I want to ask of you is that I may keep the house on.” The chairman: What particular reason have you for keeping it on? Mrs. Sanderson: Because it is my living. It pays its way. The licence was referred for compensation. Peterborough Standard 2.8.1929: VALUES OF THE CLOSING PUBLIC HOUSES. Compensation Offers Politely Refused. HELPSTON AND CASTOR CASES. ROYAL OAK, HELPSTON In the case of the Royal Oak, Helpston, Mr. E. W. Jeffreys (of Messrs. Batten and Whitsed) represented the brewers, Mowbray and Co. Frederick West Kent, of Stamford, a representative of Mowbray and Co., said the rent of the Royal Oak was £8 per annum and had been so for many years. It had never been raised. The average barrel-age for the last three years was 25½ , with a total profit of £29 5s. 4d. a year. Thus the value of a twelve-years’ purchase, which was customary to allow, was £248 16s. To this a further year’s purchase was added, in accordance with the custom consequent upon it having been held that there was certain extra security attached to ante-1869 licences. £10 was added for fixtures and £5 as a nominal sum for reconverting the premises, giving a total of £344 10s. 8d. The committee offered £235 which was refused.
Shirley Martin (October 2025)
Listed building details:
Early C18 range of cottages, a former inn. Coursed stone rubble, No 20 whitewashed. Thatched roof with gabled ends. One storey and attic. Four window range. Two- and three-light casements with glazing bars. Two plank doors. Four eyebrow dormers. Brick ridge and end chimney stacks.
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