Boat & Horses, Beeston Rylands

Originally known simply as the Boat, the "Horses" were added by 1876 when Samuel Scotton was the publican (Post Office Directory).

For many years a Home Brewery tied house. In the later 19th century, the game of cricket had an impact on the trade of the Boat & Horses: "Now that the railway made it accessible from the crowded City and beyond, Beeston Rylands developed quickly as a popular destination for day trippers and the area changed accordingly - where previously the river carried mostly commercial traffic, pleasure boats began to appear and fishing parties were frequent callers. Cricket had recently been established at Trent Bridge and the meadows below the railway at Beeston benefited as an alternative venue with a popular following, so much so that, in August 1870, a 3 day game was played between the Gentlemen of the South and The Gentlemen of the North in which the famous W G Grace was top-scorer. The fortunes of the area - and therefore The Boat Inn - had been transformed - at least during the summer months. William Henry Scotton became landlord in 1879 and it is he who gives the biggest clue as to the attraction of the family to this location for it was he who was to distinguish himself as a first-class cricketer. Born in Nottingham in January 1856, he spent all his adult life in cricket although he did, on occasion, turn out for Notts County as a footballer. After a start at age 17 with a Derbyshire side, he played his first first-class game for Nottinghamshire in 1875 and continued there until 1891. By 1881, his brother John had taken over at the Boat enabling William to concentrate on the game - although William appears to have resumed as licensee by 1883. After a relatively slow start with Notts, interrupted by his participation in a strike by seven Notts professionals over pay, he was to develop, by 1884, into the best left-handed batsman in England. That year he scored 567 runs for Notts in 13 games, and turned in a similar performance in 1886. He played five test seasons for England, touring Australia three times. Known for his defensive straight bat, his performance in 1884 against Australia was crucial in saving the match. Faced with a massive total from the touring side, Scotton opened for England, batting through for 5¾ hours for 90 runs before becoming the ninth man out, enabled England to escape with a draw. His life was to end in tragedy in July 1893 when he took his own life; it was said that he had been depressed and in a low state since losing his place in the Nottinghamshire side after the 1890 season. The remainder of the Scotton family had left the Boat before 1885, his brother John moving on to run the Cricketers Rest in Sneinton." (www.beeston-notts.co.uk)

As at November 2017, the freehold for the Boat & Horses (NT249668) was held by the Red Star Pub Company (WRII) Limited (Reg. No. SC202689), a part of Heineken stable.

[Broxtowe Borough Council;Beeston Rylands Ward / Broxtowe Parliamentary Constituency]