Angel Inn

Between 19 Highgate and the Town Hall this building is on the east side of Highgate. It is formed from 21 Highgate (currently part of the Halifax Building Society) and 25 Highgate (currently Inglewoods Card shop). These two building are joined together at first floor level but underneath and between them runs Yard 23 Highgate (Angel Yard).

History

In 1829 the landlord was George Bateman.

Curwen, 1900 p39-40

"Adjoining to the south is the "Angel Inn," still standing, with all its records of ancient tale and gossip, although greatly modernised. Tradition says that the earliest "Angel Inn" was situated in a batch of old buildings somewhere behind the present "Commercial Inn," and approached through a narrow entry long ago removed. It further says that some 100 years ago it was managed by an old man named Bland, who, with his daughters Grace and Prudence, carried on a prosperous business there. After the death of the old man the daughters kept on the business till Prudence died, when the sign was removed to its present situation. A wag, on the closing down of the old house, wrote with chalk upon the fastened door, as follows:-

'Prudence and Grace dwelt in this place,

An Angel Kept the door;

Prudence is dead, the Angel fled,

And Grace has turned a . . . .'

There is attached to this house a legend that when the rebels marched through Kendal some of the followers of "Bonnie Prince Charlie" rushed into the inn, and that the family, in their flight, left in one of the passages a child, which was there found by the soldiers; but standing over and guarding it was an angel, in whose hand was a drawn sword. A pretty legend, with its sequel, that the intruders, taking this as a sign that the house was under Divine protection, left it without despoiling any of the contents. The inn, which formerly had its entrance next Messrs. Rhodes' shop (19 Highgate), was a favorite resort for carriers and pack-horses, having extensive stabling, and from here in 1829 the coach started for Newcastle.

Of the many characters associated with this inn, I can only stay to mention old John Robinson. He kept a saddle-horse here for many years, but never rode it, for if he went a journey his custom was to lead the animal the whole way, with the oft-repeated answer that he would ride it "by-and-bye." If asked by an acquaintance for the loan of his "Rosinante," his ready answer came - "I have no time to go with thee to lead it." In like manner old Robinson kept several pointer dogs. He bought up every gun that had the character of being a good one, and he annually took out a licence, but he never went out shooting, although he was always going to "by-and-bye." His plan of future operations as a sportsman had not left him at the age of 85, for a few weeks before he died he procured a number of new bags for bringing home his game "by-and-bye."

Away up in that innocent-looking, box-like erection on the roof, between those flanking diamond chimneys, is an apartment entered only by way of a trap-door in the garret, eight feet square, at one time lighted by four windows, and with seats still existing around two sides.

There would seem to be no doubt that it was originally constructed as a Columbier, or pigeon cote. For it must be remembered, that in the middle ages fresh meat could only be procured during the summer months; turnips, mangel wurzells, and other green crops were unknown; hence the majority of the oxen and sheep were slaughtered and salted down at the beginning of winter. The old German name for November was Slagtmonat or slaughter-month, and the Anglo-Saxon name was Blodmonath or blood-month. Anything, therefore, that could vary or palliate the monotony of salted meat or fish, was a luxury to be envied. Hence we have the fish ponds and stews, in which carp and tench were assiduously fattened for the table; and the warrens of conies and large pigeon houses, in close proximity to the abodes of the great and wealthy, of the castle, the convent, and the manor house. SO likewise, the Angel Inn would require such a Columbiarium if it desired to retain its customers, and keep pace with other principle places of entertainment.

In latter years when such a need no longer existed, the apartment became a most suitable place, away from prying official notice, wherein our Corinthians would congregate, with their game cocks trimmed for fighting. It is certain that cock-fighting was a favorite pastime in Kendal from an early period. Even during the Commonwealth, when all public amusements were rigorously interdicted, if we are to credit tradition, Kendal owned its cock-pit. Shortly after 1712 we find "covered cock-pits" attached to many of the principal inns; the arena of those of earlier date being uncovered. At first, the sports were carried on at very short intervals throughout the season, but by degrees the principal attendance concentrated in the races week, when the fighting was introduced under more imposing auspices. The "mains" were fought and patronized by persons of the highest rank and station, at all events up to the close of the XVIIIth century, without any impeachment of their refinement or humanity."