Photograph by Robert Freidus. Perspective correction, text, and formatting by George P. Landow. You may use these images without prior permission for any scholarly or educational purpose as long as you (1) credit the photographer and (2) link your document to this URL or cite the Victorian Web in a print document.
The Rocket (originally the Rising Sun, which became the Friar & Firkin in 1992 and then about 1999 the Rocket. 120 Euston Road London NW1. 1899. The original name of this public house appears carved in raised letters above the main doorway — see photo at right. Click on images to enlarge them.
Some History of the Rising Sun
Graham Robinson, a retired English Rolls-Royce enthusiast living in Brazil, came upon information about the early life of Sir Henry Royce (1863-1933) in the 1871 census: Before teaming up with the Hon. Charles Rolls to make cars Henry had his own business in Manchester making electrical equipment. He had married Minnie Grace Punt in London in 1893, whom the 1871 census records as being 3 years old. Her father, Alfred Punt, was a Licensed Victualler running the Rising Sun at 120 Euston Road. Mr. Robinson continues, “it appears that the Rising Sun was built in 1899 but Alfred Punt was clearly running it in 1871. Have you any evidence to show what happened? My guess is that they pulled down the old Rising Sun and built a new one on the same site, i.e. 120 Euston Road. Of Alfred Punt I have discovered that he died in 1873, two years after the census was taken. He was 38 years old.” Continuing his research, Mr. Robinson discovered that Punt must have taken charge of the pub some time after 1865, since the landlord at that time was James Carlile, whom a newspaper entitled The Era of that year reported suffered from paralysis.
Screen capture by Mr. Robertson.
Mr. Robinson requests the help of any reader who might have more information about Punt. “I'd be quite happy for you share the information with your readers. At the same time perhaps you could ask if anyone reading it can throw light on when the old Rising Sun closed? If they were ready to build a new one on the site and that opened in 1899 then presumably the old one closed 2 or 3 years previously. Pure speculation on my part! Does anyone know?” If you have any information, please contact the webmaster. — George P. Landow
Created 13 June 2019