Bedford Head

[Bedford Head, Maiden Lane.] Extending from Southampton Street to Bedford Street, about midway between the Strand and Henrietta Street, is Maiden Lane, on which we have already slightly touched in a previous chapter. We may add, however, that the well-known tavern here, called the "Old Welch Ale House," which stood on the site of the "Bedford Head," and which was pulled down in 1870, has risen, phœnixlike, in a new building, which has returned to its old designation so far as to style itself the "Bedford Tavern." It stands next door to the house of Andrew Marvell, the poet and patriot, where he was lodging when Lord Danby climbed his stairs with a message and bribe from the king, but found him too honest and too proud to accept it. It is said that he was dining off the pickings of a muttonbone when Lord Danby called, and that as soon as he was gone he was obliged to send to a friend to borrow a guinea. Two doors off, at an old French perruquier's, at the sign of the "White Peruke," Voltaire lodged when young, and when busy in publishing his "Henriade;" he was a constant visitor at the "Bedford," where his bust still adorns a room. Voltaire had been imprisoned in the Bastile for a libel, and after his release came over to London, where he procured many subscriptions towards publishing his poem. He remained here several years, becoming acquainted with Pope, Congreve, Young, and other celebrated literary men of his time; and tradition says that they frequently resorted to this tavern together of an evening. When Turner lived in this street (prior, that is, to 1800) he would often spend an evening at the "Bedford." "In the parlour of the 'Bedford,'" says Mr. J. H. Jesse, in his "London," "met the 'Shilling Rubber Club,' of which Fielding, Hogarth, Goldsmith, and Churchill were members. It was at one of their meetings here that the quarrel arose between Hogarth and Churchill which induced the latter to satirise his friend, and the former to retaliate upon him with his unrivalled pencil. The 'Epistle to Hogarth' is comparatively forgotten; but Churchill will still live as 'Bruin' when his verse shall have passed into oblivion." The present tavern, which has resumed its ancient name, is well and respectably conducted, and still keeps up the literary traditions of the vicinity by being the home of a literary and artistic club called the "Reunion," which meets three times a week for the discussion of subjects of general interest.

[Bedford Head, Maiden Lane.] Today there are still two public houses elsewhere in Maiden Lane—the Peacock at Nos. 13 and 14, a site which has been occupied as licensed premises since at least 1690 and which was known as the Three Compasses in the eighteenth century; and the Bedford Head (now Henri's Bedford Head) which was established in Maiden Lane as a tavern and coffee house under this name in about 1740, and which removed to its present site at No. 41 in 1747.²⁶

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²⁶ G.L.R.O.(M), LV(W), passim; R.B.

To the Curious and Lovers of Antiquity.To be seen at the Bedford-Head in Maiden-Lane, Covent Garden, during the Exhibition of the Arts and Sciences in the Strand, a curious Eqyptian Mummy. Those that have never seen so curious and great a Piece of Antiquity, may now have an Opportunity of seeing one at Six-pence each Person.
    N.B. A Book, giving an Account of the Antiquity and Nature of Embalming, to be seen at the same Time.
Public Advertiser 9197, Saturday, April 21, 1764.

Court of Null-Tiel Record.The Members of this Ancient and Honourable Court are desired to meet his Lordship at the Bedford Head, Maiden-Lane, Covent-Garden, this Evening, at Seven. By order of his Lordship, J.H. Sec.
Supper on Table precisely at Eight.
Daily Advertiser 14602, Saturday, October 4, 1777.

102. Bedford Coffee House, Maiden Lane, Covent Garden. Known later as Bedford Head.

1741–75

As 'Duke of Bedford's Head' 1741; 'Bedford Head Tavern' 1775, listed in use for masonic lodge meetings.

1809–11

In Holden's directory 1809–11 as Bedford Coffee House. Proprietor—Dench Garden.

1819–33

In 1819 'Picture of London' as 'Bedford Head', and similarly in 1833 edition.

1828–33

Masonic lodge meetings held here in 1828, 1829 and 1833.

1838

In Robson's directory as No. 41, Maiden Lane.—Sarah Givens.