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Picture source: Pauline Eccles

The Monks Walk was situated on Highgate.

This pub has now reopened.

Admin (April 2015)

Very interesting Grade II* Listed building. The former George and Dragon was referred to as far back as 1686 as the 'George in Highgate' and possibly back further in July 1658 as 'the George in High Street alias Londoner Street', Highgate being previously called London Road. Stonework in the passage is dated 1671 but it was re-fronted in the 18th century. There were further additions in January 1895 for the owners Chas. Darley & Co of Thorne. In 1995 investigations revealed roof and wall timbers dating back as early as 1420. Mr Rod Mackey, local representative for the Council for British Archaeology said 'the building is an 18th Century frontage which has been clad onto what appear to be two timber-framed buildings that span the passage, which was a medieval street.' Thankfully no serious damage was done when a fire closed the Monks Walk from late 2000 to April 2001. In May 2010 the Hull Daily Mail reported that the pub had been closed for nine months due to subsidence and investigations had revealed 14th century architecture and claimed 'Records show the Monks Walk was originally two pubs and it's previously been known as the George, the George and Dragon and the Old George and Dragon.' In 2013 the building was redeveloped as a bar and restaurant. The pub was again re-opened in April 2016 by an ex-Beverley Minster verger following a further refit to what is described as a 'chatter pub'. If Mackey is correct it is possible only half the building was the original George but I'm of the opinion that it never was two pubs as it seems 25 (now 25 and 25A) was the New George and Dragon before it became the Black Swan. It appears unlikely (but not impossible) that someone would open a George and Dragon next door and adjoining the George.

Steve Turner (May 2021)

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