THIS photograph shows the Druids Arms public house on the corner of Leicester Street and Gibson’s Road, writes Nick Colley, of Northwich Heritage Society. 

This would have been where Marks & Spencers now stands.

The photograph would have been taken in 1904 soon after the pub closed due to severe subsidence.

In the photograph, the building is seen literally being held up by an assortment of wooden props.

The pub was originally built in 1844, the sign on the front shows that the last licensee was George Lees.

George Lees went on to become the licensee of the Waterman’s Arms on Witton Street, now the Witton Chimes.

It was apparently a well-used and popular hostelry as when it last changed hands in 1896 it must have been showing signs of the subsidence that finally closed it. Yet it still sold.

The reason for its popularity can be seen looming behind it.

This was the Barons Quay Salt Mine which was right next door and must have had many thirsty workers heading for a drink at the end of a hot shift.