Forum Topic

Duke of York

BrentfordTW8 has had a request which we cannot help with. I've suggested bhsproject.co.uk but can anyone help at all?Do you hold an archive for approx. 1965 – 1970 please?I would be interested to know of any articles/photos regarding the then publican of the Duke of York Hotel, Great West Road, Mr.R.S.Minchin.

Kath Richardson ● 4707d3 Comments

Good to hear from you Audrey. Haven't times changed and in many cases resulting in derelict abandoned eye-sores.. as the Duke of York site is today .. sadly?Gillian Clegg (RIP), in her Brentford and Chiswick pubs book..ISBN 0-7524-3723-2 .., supplied this image from an advertising postcard to remind us of what the "New England" looked like in more recent years.

Jim Lawes ● 4706d

Hi Jim! Yes I lived in York Road for many years, moved out in 1959 so have no info for the years in question. Have many happy memories of events there. Last time I saw it it was sadly neglected but still open for business. Good to see your pictures as always Jim.

Audrey Walton ● 4706d

Not able to help with your enquiry Kath..other than to help keep it on the front page! When Audrey Walton (Oregon,USA) next logs in she may have some information as she lived close to the Duke of York during those early years apparently.Local Historian Gillian Clegg (RIP) mention in her Brentfordand Chiswick Pubs book (ISBN 0-7524-723-2)that the Duke of York Pub "was open by at least 1898" before the Great West Road was built. It would seem that the main entrance in the early days was from York Road /Brooke Road North.. as my picture suggests.In later years it would seem that a new frontage was built facing the Great West Road..to attract new custom.Many will recall that it became a BEEFEATER pub restaurant more recently..and after closing down a Banksy graffiti (a peeing policeman) arrived on panel facing BRN.Whilst closed and derelict, some local sculleywags entered the building hunting for scrap (just like they did South of the High Street) and they came across a dead body hanging from the rafters. Serves them right!

Jim Lawes ● 4706d