Lancaster Arms, Desford

The pub is close to the former Desford Station on the Leicester to Swannington Railway, opened by Robert Stephenson in 1832. The Lancaster Arms was built in the 19th century as a private house by Joseph Dymock, who later began to provide stabling and meals for users of the railway. Passenger services finished in 1964.

Following the Second World War this pub was known locally as The Flying Lancaster, a name which was prominent on a large signboard outside pub, depicting a Lancaster Bomber in flight. Strangely enough, the majority of aeroplanes used at the then nearby Desford Airbase were De Havilland Tiger Moths, although a Lancaster which was diverted here after returning from an operation overshot the flare path and hit two Tiger Moths. It is widely assumed proximity of the airbase is the origin of the pubs name but this pub is of the late Victorian period predating Lancaster Bombers by quite some time. A more probable reason for the pubs name is that prior to the enclosure Act of Parliament 1760, the title Lord of the Manor of Desford was synonymous with the right to the title of Duchy of Lancaster, a title held by non-other than the King. As such he was entitled to up to 18 wagon loads of hay from Kings Meadow which is situated near to The Lancaster Arms.