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THE TAVERNS OF BOSTON IN YE OLDEN TIME.

BY DAVID M. BALFOUR.

The first tavern in Boston was kept by Samuel Coles.  It was opened in March, 1633, and stood near the south-west corner of Merchants row and Corn court, with an area in front on Merchants row and also on Fanueil Hall square, which in latter days have been covered with buildings.  It was destroyed by fire during the early part of the eighteenth century, and the older portion of the present edifice was erected in 1737, which has been enlarged on the northerly side.  It was towards the close of the last century known as the “Brazier Inn,” and was kept by a widow lady of that name.  It is now known as the “Hancock House,” and is kept by a stalwart Scotchman named Alexander Clarkson.  Gov.  Vane held a council in the south-westerly room in the second story with Miantonomoh, the Narragansett chief.  The same room was subsequently occupied by Lafayette in 1773, and afterwards by Talleyrand in 1798.

The State Arms Tavern was built in 1645, and stood on the south-east corner of State and Exchange streets.  It was occupied as the custom-house just before the Revolution.

The Star Inn was built in 1645, and stood on the north-east corner of Hanover and Union streets.  It was first kept by Thomas Hawkins, and afterwards by Andrew Neal, a Scotchman.  The Scots’ Charitable Society, of which the landlord was a member, frequently held its meetings there.

The Roebuck Tavern was built in 1650.  It stood on the east side of Merchants row, between Clinton and North streets.  It was believed to have been built by a descendant of Richard Whittington, the Lord Mayor of London in 1419, who was famed for his love of cats.

The Ship Tavern was built in 1651, and stood on North street, just beyond the corner of Fleet street.  John Vyall kept it in 1663, and it was at one time called “Noah’s Ark.”  The peace commissioners sent over by Charles II. held their sessions there.  It was demolished in 1866.

The King’s Arms Tavern was built in 1654, and stood on the southeast corner of Washington and Brattle streets, opposite the Samuel Adams statue.

The Red Lion Tavern stood on the north-west corner of North and Richmond streets.  It was built in 1654, and kept by Nicholas Upsall, a Quaker, who was persecuted, imprisoned, and banished for his faith.  Near this spot the devastating fire of November 27, 1676, broke out in one Wakefield’s house.

The Blue Anchor Tavern stood on the site of No. 254 Washington street.  It was built in 1664, and kept by George Monck.

The Blue Anchor Tavern (the second of that name) was built in 1665, and stood on Brattle street, upon the site which was afterwards Doolittle’s City Tavern.  It was first kept by Robert Turner, and was noted for its punch, and was a favorite resort of public men.

The Blue Bell Tavern was built in 1673, and stood on the north-west corner of Batterymarch street and Liberty square; a portion of the Mason building now occupies its site.  It was kept by Nathaniel Bishop, and afterwards by Alleric & Drury.  In 1692 it was called the Castle Tavern, and ceased to be an inn after 1707.