Veterans buy pub where old regiment was born

STAFFORDSHIRE Regiment veterans have joined forces to buy the lease of a historic pub where the regiment was founded more than 300 years ago.

Veteran Derek Watts heard that the lease of The King’s Head pub was up for sale and hit upon the idea that ex-Staffords could try to buy it by securing pledges of financial support.

The King’s Head pub is considered the home of the Staffordshire Regiment. It was where the 38th Regiment of foot, which later became the Staffordshire Regiment, was raised in 1705 by Colonel Luke Lillingston.

Veterans, including members of the Lichfield Branch of the Staffordshire Regiment Association, always gather at the Bird Street pub following parades through the city and during annual events. Ex-Staffords were therefore determined to raise enough money to buy the pub’s lease to secure its future.

A company called Colonel Luke has been incorporated to hold the lease after more than £64,000 was raised and it will be officially unveiled in the coming weeks.

Mr Watts said: “Without the continued support and the dedication of directors and all those people who pledged monies, this exciting venture would not be where it is today.

“We would also like to think Marston’s Brewery and John Rackham, the current owner of The King’s Head, for their support.”

A parade will be held on March 25 for a special opening ceremony, conducted by mayor and Susie Lillingston, a direct descendent of the founder of the regiment.