Home > Cambridgeshire > Helpston > Railway Hotel Railway Hotel
Date of photo: 1958	Picture source: Shirley Martin
The Railway Hotel was situated at 86 Glinton Road. This pub closed in 1958 and is now in residential use.
Source: Neal McKenna
Stamford Mercury, 15.10.1847: … Possession, A newly-erected INN, opposite the Railway Station at Helpstone, with Brewhouse and Stables complete; also Two Pieces of Grazing Land. For particulars apply Mr. Hills, station-master, Helpstone, near Peterboro’. Stamford Mercury, 24.3.1848: Philip Dawson, of the Railway Hotel, Helpstone, respectfully begs to aquaint his friends and the public that he has received a supply of Pit and other Coal, …, March, 1848. Lincs Chronicle, 15.9.1848: Magistrates Meetings. Peterborough, Sept. 2 - To-day was the general annual licensing meeting for the liberty. The old licenses were renewed, and, with the exception of Philip Dawson, who keeps the Railway Hotel at Helpstone, all fresh applications for licenses were refused. Lincolnshire Chronicle, 13.10.1848: Magistrates’ Meetings. Peterborough. October 7 th , before … – Philip Dawson, of Helpstone, innkeeper, was convicted in a penalty of £15 for selling spirituous liquors without licence. Another information against him for having spirits concealed in an unentered place in his house was not proved, and consequently dismissed. Stamford Mercury, 7.12.1849 & 14.12.1849: … For SALE, HANDSOME BITCH, of the Wolf breed 14 months old. May be seen on application to Mr. Carr, the Railway Tavern,  Helpston, near Peterboro’. Stamford Mercury, 11.1.1850 & 18.1.1850: PIGEON SHOOTING, RAILWAY HOTEL, HELPSTON STATION. To be SHOT FOR, on TUESDAY the 22nd JANUARY, 1850, … Communications to be addressed to NATHANIEL CARR, proprietor of the Hotel, Helpston Station, Market Deeping. Refreshment will be provided at the Hotel, adjacent the Station. Stamford Mercury, 11.1.1850: … and a 14 months old Bitch, of the Wolf breed. – Communications to be addressed to Nathaniel Carr, proprietor of the Hotel, Helpston Station, Market Deeping. … Stamford Mercury, 14.2.1851: … At Helpstone, on Saturday last, after a short illness, Mr. S-th. Carr, of the Railway Inn, aged 45. … General Reg. Deaths: Nathaniel Carr, March 1851 quarter, Peterbro. reg. district. Stamford Mercury, 14.3.1851: … Foottit, Solicitors, Newark, 4 th March, 1851. Mr. Nathaniel Carr’s affairs. All persons having any Claim or Demand upon the Estate and Effects of Mr. Nathaniel Carr, late of the Railway Hotel at the Helpstone Station, the county of Northampton, innkeeper, deceased … 1851 census: Railway Hotel: William Smith, farmer of 252 acres employing 4 labourers. In 1851 and 1854 the innkeeper was William Smith who is also noted to be a farmer of 252 acres employing four labourers. 1854 Post Office Directory: Railway Hotel, William Smith, Helpston Stamford Mercury, 23.1.1852: ANNUAL PIGEON SHOOTING, Railway Hotel, HELPSTONE STATION. W. Smith begs to inform his Friends and the Public that on WEDNESDAY, Jan. 28 th , 1852, … Stamford Mercury, 24.2.1854: A newly erected house was being sold at the Railway Hotel in Helpstone, on the 2nd March, 1854. Stamford Mercury, 21.4.1854: Peterborough Police, April 15, ... The licence of the Railway Hotel at Helpstone was indorsed to Mr. Leonard Mudd. Stamford Mercury, 12.5.1854: The licence of the Railway Inn, Helpstone, was transferred to Mr. Leonard Mudd; … Stamford Mercury, 9.2.1855: … At Helpston, on the 1 st mat, Mr. Leonard Mudd, aged 57. … Stamford Mercury, 7.12.1855: At the Peterboro’ Bench on Saturday last, the licence of the Railway Hotel, Helpstone, was transferred to Mr. Jas. Palmer. Lincolnshire Chronicle, 21.12.1855: … White, William v. Palmer, James: Plaintiff is a coach-maker Spalding defendant an innkeeper Helpstone, and formerly of the White Lion, Spalding.… Stamford Mercury, 2.5.1856: … with Cottage and Garden free. None need apply who cannot have good character from his last employer. Apply to Mr. Palmer, Railway Hotel, Helpston Station. … Stamford Mercury, 8.5.1857: At a special sessions held on Saturday the following licences were transferred: ... the Railway Hotel at Helpstone to Henry Freeman; ... Stamford Mercury, 4.5.1860: Death - At the Railway Hotel, Helpstone station, on Friday last, Mrs. Freeman, wife of Mr. Henry Freeman. Separate piece: A very sudden death took place at the Railway Hotel, Helpstone station, on Friday last. The landlady (Mrs. Freeman) was in the act of pouring out a cup of tea for a commercial traveller, when she was seized with an apoplectic fit, and died the same evening. The only words she was heard to utter after being seized were “Oh! Henry,” the name of her husband. Stamford Mercury, 2.8.1861: … Tank for sale (800 gal), with two Iron Columns…. Apply at the Station Hotel, Helpstone, Market Deeping. … Stamford Mercury, 27.9.1861: To be LET, and entered upon at Michaelmas next, THE STATION HOTEL, Helpstone, near Market Deeping, with Stabling, Piggeries, large Garden and Paddock, near the Midland and Great Northern Railways, with … Stamford Mercury, 14.3.1862: … To be LET, and entered upon Lady-day next, THE STATION HOTEL, Helpstone, near Market Deeping, and close to the Paper Mills, .… 1865: By 1865 the tenancy had passed to Joseph Fletcher. In the Peterborough Advertiser of 21.10.1865 there is a report about a court case where Joseph Fletcher was found guilty of receiving stolen goods and sentenced to 12 months in prison. The paper for 28.10.1865 records the magistrates rejecting an application “by a man named Ward, brother to Mrs. Fletcher, the wife of the man convicted” to carry on the business while Fletcher is in prison. Yet in 1871 it was John Ward (innkeeper) who occupied the property, and he was still there in 1881. Village Tribune: Where have all Helpston’s pubs gone? by Tony Henthorn,10.5.2009:  At Peterborough Petty Sessions in 1865, Joseph Fletcher of the Railway Hotel was allowed bail after being accused of ‘the serious charge’ of receiving stolen wheat.  His accuser was a Daniel Webster, a farmer of Nunton Barn. Subsequently Fletcher went to prison and we know this because his wife’s brother, Mr Ward was refused permission to carry on the pub ‘for the benefit of his sister and her family during Fletcher’s incarceration’ because the judge thought that the wife ‘must have been aware of her husband’s transactions.’  Stamford Mercury, 4.8.1865: Joseph Fletcher, innkeeper, Helpston, was brought up in custody, charged by Mr. Daniel Webster, of Nunton, with receiving … It appears that Mr. Webster has some land and a barn near the railway station at Helpston, where he keeps stock, and the prisoner keeps the Railway Hotel at that place. The grounds of the Inn adjoin those of Mr. Webster.’ Stamford Mercury, 8.9.1865: Peterboro’ - Licensing Meeting - The sessions for granting spirit licences within the liberty of Peterboro’ was held on Tuesday last. ... All the old licences were renewed, with the exception of that to Joseph Fletcher, of the Railway Hotel, at Helpston, who stands committed to take his trial at the ensuing sessions for felony, and in that case the application for the renewal was ordered to stand over at present. Peterborough Advertiser, 21.10.1865: Joseph Fletcher was found guilty of receiving stolen goods and sentenced to 12 months in prison. The paper of 28.10.1865 records the magistrates rejecting an application “by a man named Ward, brother to Mrs. Fletcher, the wife of the man convicted” to carry on the business while Fletcher is in prison. Yet in 1871 it was John Ward (innkeeper) who occupied the property, and he was still there in 1881. 1866: A new licence was granted in 1866 to Thomas Downs, but by 1869 John Ward had got the licence he wanted. He was still there in 1871 and 1881. 1876: Harrod & Co’s Directory - John Ward, “Railway Hotel” Peterborough Advertiser, 25.11.1876: NORTHAMPTONSHIRE. HELPSTON. Labourers’ Union Supper – On Saturday evening the Labourers’ Union Branch at Helpston had their anniversary supper at the Station Hotel, to which most of the members sat down. … Sometime after 1881 – 1887: William Potter… 4.5.1887 - until at least 1901: William Butterworth The “Alehouse Keepers Recognisances” show a transfer from William Potter to William Butterworth on 4.5.1887. William Butterworth was still the landlord in 1891 and 1901. Stamford Mercury, 21.9.1888: To LET, on the 11 th October next, THE RAILWAY INN, Helpstone, and … For further particulars apply G. and H. R. Hunt, the Brewerry, Stamford … Stamford Mercury, 16.11.1888: … To LET, with immediate Possession, The RAILWAY INN, Helpstone – For particulars apply G. and H. R. Hunt, the Brewery, Stamford. … Kelly’s Directory of Northants, 1890: William Butterworth, Railway Hotel Kelly’s Directory, 1898: William Butterworth, Railway hotel. Stamford Mercury, 30.5.1902: Wm. Henry Smith, farmer, Etton, was summoned for being quarrelsome and disorderly in the Railway Hotel, Helpstone, and for refusing to quit when requested, on May 19. Mr. H. B. Hartley appeared for the complainant, Mr. Robinson, the landlord of the hotel. Mrs. Robinson gave evidence as to requesting defendant to leave in consequence of the language he was using, and he refused. Fine £1 and 11s. costs. Peterborough Advertiser, 15.10.1902: The Money Lending Case. Chas. Wells, money-lender, of Corridor Chambers, Leicester, v. J. W. Robinson, Railway Hotel, Helpstone. Judgement summons for £35 1s.… Kelly’s Directory 1903: John W. Robinson, Railway Hotel Stamford Mercury, 6.7.1906: To let, 30th July, Railway Hotel, Helpston. Fully licensed. Good Stabling and premises. Large Garden. G. &; H. R. Hunt, Brewery, Stamford. Kelly’s Directory 1906: John Cooke, Railway Inn 1908 – 1916: The Sanderson family moved to The Railway Hotel, Helpston in 1908 after the closure of the Chestnut Horse, Deeping St. James. The account of spirits register gives the first date for Mark Sanderson as 15.7.1908 when he received spirits from G. & H. R. Hunt of Stamford, and appears to end on 16.1.1915. Kelly’s Directory, Northants, 1910: Mark Sanderson, Railway Inn Kelly’s Directory, Northants, 1914: Mark Sanderson, Railway Inn In 1911 Mark Sanderson was living at The Railway Inn, age 69, inn keeper, with his wife and children. Mark Sanderson died on 7.12.1914, age 73, and was buried on 11.12.1914 at Helpston Cemetery. Peterborough Standard 9.1.1915: The following transfers were also agreed to by the Magistrates: Railway Hotel, Helpston, from Mark Sanderson (deceased) to Phoebe Sanderson Phoebe Sanderson took over the licence of the Royal Oak Inn, Helpston, in 1916. Local Directories, 1920 (Cambs. Libraries) – Arthur Townson 1943 – 1957: James Montague Bickers Peterborough Advertiser, 12.8.1955: HELPSTON To celebrate the installation and switching on of the electric light at the Railway Hotel, a party was held on Friday, when among the assembly were Mr. A. Hayward and Mr. B. H. Watts (chairman and vice chairman of the parish council, whose efforts led to the current being available). 1958: It closed as a public house in 1958. Village Tribune: Where have all Helpston’s pubs gone? by TONY HENTHORN, 10.5.2009: MYSTERIES OF SEVEN VILLAGE PUBS LOST IN THE MISTS OF TIME – OR WAS IT THE EXTRA STRONG ALE?: ... There are villagers who remember The Railway Hotel, which was a fully licensed Public House and closed in 1958. Buster Bickers’ Memories of the Railway Hotel Buster Bickers, who now lives in Broadwheel Road, lived there until he was 14, and at that time his grandfather James Montague Bickers kept the pub. Buster’s father was Frederick Bickers. It was still a pub when the family left in 1957 for Chocolate Cottage in Woodgate. “There was no electric when we were at the Railway”, Buster recalls- “and of course no gas, so we used oil and paraffin lamps and candles for lighting.  It was a lovely big house with lots of rooms.  Quite a few people lived at the Hotel – railway and mill workers.  We kept 200-300 chickens at a time, 100 geese and a pig in the one and a half acres. Mother ran it on her own in the daytime. Dad worked at Brotherhoods.  My mother was a Peterborough girl. After their wedding, war broke out and father got sent to London making aeroplanes at a place called ‘Fairy Aviation’.”  Buster and his brother Alan were born in London.  “Grandad kept the pub during the war.”  When his grandma died, Buster & the family came back (Buster age 2) to Helpston. “I remember weekends were busy.  People used to come from Etton.“ He recalls that the pub belonged to Mowbrays of Grantham, then changed to Flowers.  “When we left it belonged to Flowers, but then went to Steward & Pattersons,” Buster told us.  “The year my Dad left we could’ve bought it for £3,500.” Even in those days, of course £3,500 was a lot of money. Buster has a treasured copy of the Peterborough & District Licensed Victuallers’ Association Official year Book and Account Book for 1955-6.  In addition to rules about licensing and advice against watering down spirits because it doesn’t actually work very well, this lists every week’s takings at the Railway and shows that sales were regularly between £4 and £16 per week. Christmas Day 1957 was a good day when £18.15s 6d was taken. Takings for August 1956 were exceptionally high.... Buster explained that in years gone by, the water was unpleasant and so people naturally drank beer to quench their thirst....
Peter Wordsworth (October 2025)
Listed building details:
Probably circa 1846. Former railway hotel on the Syston and Peterborough line (Midland Railway) opening in 1846. Gabled stone building in Jacobean style with steeply pitched Collyweston stone roof with coped gables. Two storeys. Asymmetrical plan with stone mullion windows with lozenge panes and dripmoulds, canted bay, external stack and 4-canted arch doorway with carved spandrels. All the chimney stacks are ashlar and have cornices.
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Date of photo: 2010	Picture source: Google Streetview