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Black Boy and Still Closure, 1922Thanks to Janet McNamara and Peter King for sending a scan from the Middlesex Independent newspaper dated 20th May 1922. ANCIENT BRENTFORD HOUSE CLOSES.Today one of the oldest of Brentford's surviving licensed houses closes its door for good, and the licensee, who has spent over 40 years of his life there, will leave for fresh trade fields and pastures new.When the old "Black Boy and Still," which has stood in High Street for over 300 years, shuts down this night, it will open no more in Brentford, but will reappear next week as the "Black Boy," a new off-licence house now completed at Southall. It may be added that for many years the house was the only one in the Division that enjoyed the privilege of opening at an early hour in the morning, which it is in the discretion of the Commissioners of Police to grant. Most Brentford residents are familiar with the licensee, Mr. J.T. Matthews, and all who know him will regret that he is leaving the town, a regret which he shares. Mr. Matthews came to Brentford in 1885 with his late father, Mr. Thomas Matthews, who took over the licence of "The Black Boy and Still" from Mr. Joe Van, who went to Chiswick. The late Mr. Matthews died in 1887, and from that date up to 1894 the licence of the house was held by Mrs. Matthews, his widow. Mr. J.T. Matthews, the last licensee, then took over the house, of which he has held the licence to the present day. During a long residence in Brentford Mr. Matthews has been connected with many institutions in the town, being one of the oldest members of the Conservative Club, and an original member of the Brentford Rowing Club, founded by the then Surveyor of Brentford, Mr. Strachan. He has also been a continuous supporter of the Philanthropic Society, and perhaps will continue his interests, as he is not going very far away. Mr. Matthews has been for many years a member of the local Licensed Victuallers' Association, having served on the Committee and having been for three years a delegate to the Central Board. He is also a member of the New Brentford Burial Board, and regrets that he will probably have to sever his connection with that authority. During a lifetime in Brentford, and especially during a long period as licensee of the "Black Boy and Still," Mr. Matthews has earned the goodwill of all his fellow-townsmen as a genial host and a pleasant companion, and all will unite in wishing him the best of luck in his new and somewhat enlarged sphere of business. On May 30th Mr. Matthews will take over the "Kings Arms" at High Street, Hounslow, held by the late Mr. Davis, a large house, under the same owners, situated near the 'bus garage at Hounslow, and considerably larger than the house he has long occupied, in the case of this transfer the ordinary inquiries have not been pursued, as the Licensing Bench are fully cognisant of the high reputation which Mr. Matthews holds among the licence holders of the Division. TopNotesThe "Black Boy and Still" was at 87 High Street, an area bereft of postcards or photos: if you can share a photo of this area please get in touch.Published March 2013 |