A public house known as the Horse Shoes is recorded just once in an auction notice published in the Derby Mercury on 17 April 1833 (and one week later). The only details available are those from the auction, which describes a large building with several outhouses containing a blacksmiths shop, shoeing shed and Brewhouse.
The owner of the property at the time of the auction was noted as John Cartledge. John was listed in Pigot’s Directory for 1829 as a blacksmith, which would fit with the description of the premises having a blacksmith’s shop. By the directory of 1831, John is described as a “beer retailer”, which is also consistent with the auction details. Only coaching inns and taverns (such as the Rose & Crown or Black Horse) were listed separately.
The information contained in the auction notice confirms the location as “adjoining the Nottingham Turnpike”, and it is believed from this, together with the early date, that the building would have been situated in Lower Somercotes.
As there is no further mention of the premises it is not known exactly what happened to this public house. It may have closed and was demolished, it may have closed and was converted into housing (similar to the “Rose & Crown”), or it simply changed its name.
A transcription of the auction article from the Derby Mercury published on 17 April 1833 follows: “TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION by Mr. Webster At the house of John Cartledge, the sign of the Horse Shoes at Somercotes, near Alfreton, in the county of Derby, on Tuesday, the 30th day of April instant, at 6 o’clock in the evening, subject to conditions there to be exhibited, unless previously disposed of by private contract, whereof early notice will be given:
ALL that the said Messuage, House or Tenement, situate at Somercotes aforesaid, known by the sign of the HORSE SHOES, comprising four rooms on the ground floor, with large cellaring, and five good lodging rooms; also a Dwelling House attached to the same, together with a Blacksmith’s Shop, Shoeing Shed, and Brewhouse and the gardens adjoining and therewith respectively occupied, containing 460 square yards, in the possession of the said Mr John Cartledge and his tenant.
The above premises are in excellent repair, well accustomed, situated in a populous farming and manufacturing district, near several extensive Collieries of hard and soft coal and adjoin the Nottingham Turnpike Road.
The Purchaser will be expected to take the Fixtures and may be accommodated with the Blacksmith’s Stock, Tools and Utensils, Brewing Vessels, Barrels, &c. at a valuation; as also the choice of the Household Furniture, &c. and the immediate possession of the premises.
For further particulars, and to treat for the same by private contract, application to be made to the said Mr John Cartledge, on the premises; and other information may be had of the Auctioneer, or at the Office of Messrs. Rickards and Son, Solicitors, in Alfreton.
Alfreton, 15th April, 1833”