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The Old George was once a famous Leeds inn, sadly long since demolished. It is not known exactly how far back it dated, but in 1791, it was advertised to be let as “an ancient and well accustomed house, with stabling, vaults and other suitable conveniences. It had the distinction of a Templar cross on the outside wall, signifying a connection with the Knight’s Templar, or Hospitallers. This is thought to have conferred certain privileges on the establishments that bore them, one being the ‘Leeds Soke’, an exemption from having to use the King’s Mill in Swinegate to grind corn. The Old George was mentioned in Charlotte Bronte’s book ‘Jane Eyre’, and was located just below the old railway bridge at the bottom end of Briggate. It closed in 1919, after being inherited by a Quaker gentleman, who was unable to reconcile his religious beliefs with being the owner of a place where alcohol was sold and consumed.
Thoresby Society, vol. 52, pp. 52-55
Yorkshire Evening Post, 21.6.1975, 28.6.1975.
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