The Crompton 1945 - 1961

Back in June we had a very special visitor at The Crompton. Richard Land and his wife Marian popped in. Those of you with a copy of Psssst (Anniversary edition) will know that we had a list of all the licensees since the pub opened in 1864 (copy on sidebar). From 1st November 1945 Eric Land was the licensee and from 6th March 1952, after his death, until 4th January 1961 his wife Mabel Land took over the licence. Richard Land is their son and was born in the pub (then known as Queens Hotel).

Eric Land

Mabel Land

Mabel and Richard in the pub garden

Richard and Marian bought along lots of newspaper clippings and photos and have very kindly sent me copies to share here. On January 8th 1954, the Derby Evening Telegraph ran a whole page feature. At the time many of the artistes who played at Derby Hippodrome stayed at the Hotel. It was a really lovely opportunity to talk about the Crompton's past with someone who was a part of it.

The lower photo above is captioned 'Cocktail bar joke between Mr M. Ausell, Mr Wood and Mrs H McLoughlin' Apparently the cocktail bar was in the upstairs front room and was for the use of guests staying at the hotel.

A letter to Mrs Land from Roy Leo who was staying at the Hotel whilst playing at the Hippodrome

Mrs Land standing outside the side entrance to the pub (blocked up now but still visible)

Skipper the dog

Unknown group

Mr. A Watson & Mr. C Bradburn playing cribbage

Mr A Porter, Mr H Fearnehough and Mrs Land

Mrs E Willetts who lived on Crompton Street and had been a regular for 40 years

Mrs Land - caption in newspaper 'close up of the Queen's charming hostess, Mrs Land'

(So - no more landlady, barmaid etc. in future charming hostess please...)

Newspaper caption 'Studying photographs of stage artists who have stayed at the Queen's are Mr and Mrs A. Houldsworth'