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The Old English Gentleman was situated on Commercial Road. This pub was owned by Wells & Young Brewery and has now been converted into flats. It closed sometime after 1991.

Source: Ben Haddock

My late grandparents owned or managed (I'm not sure which) this pub before I was born. They were Herbert and Winnie Mortimer. My father and his two younger brothers were born here in the days when the Commercial Road swimming baths were behind it. When my father was around ten and his youngest brother only two, my grandfather, known as Bert, cut his finger carving a Sunday roast, did not seek treatment and died from Septicaemia as a result. My grandmother continued to run the pub as a widow while raising three sons. Some time later she remarried but although she was a loyal and loving wife who worked tremendously hard, with a second husband who was high maintenance, she never stopped loving Bert. By the time I was born she had left the Old English Gentleman and was living in Fairfax Road, managing the Gas Works Social Club bar nearby. She was always a much loved and respected lady in her community and adored by her family. Bert was always remembered very fondly by all the customers of the pub and locals. The day her second husband died, Winnie removed his wedding ring from her finger and replaced it with her wedding ring from Bert Mortimer. Theirs was a true love story. I wish so much I could re-visit The Old English Gentleman.

Sue Mortimer (October 2018)

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