A lost Liverpool pub whose name was known and loved through the generations was historically used as a mortuary.
Lark Lane is famed for its independent restaurants, bars and shops -but the scene that resides was once an entirely different one. Believed to have been built around the 1800s, before it became the independent hub we know and love, Lark Lane was part of Toxteth Park, a royal park belonging to King John who used the area for hunting and recreational purposes.
In years gone by, life on the Lane was in many ways far from what it is today, being home to tobacconists, dress makers and boot repairers. A period of transformation saw new bars and restaurants pop up, but it may seem hard to believe but this lively area in South Liverpool had just two public houses during the early 1970s.
Read More: Lost hotel where clubbers had 'many a good night out'
Generations will remember The Albert and The Masonic for a long time were the only drinking places until Keith's Wine Bar opened in 1979. The Albert still stands, but the site of The Masonic has experienced much change in over a century.
Newspaper reports show a pub called The Masonic Hotel, near The Albert, in operation in the 1800s on Lark Lane. And whilst it was known name on the Lane, the original pub also was once partially used for an entirely different purpose.
On August 9, 1888, the Liverpool Mercury reported how an inquest had been held before the deputy county coroner at the Masonic Hotel, Lark Lane, into the death of Gerald Wheelan, aged 13. Whelan had drowned whilst fishing near the Nelson Dock gates and his body was found at St Michael's beach, before being removed to the Masonic Hotel.
The report reads: "After returning the verdict, the foreman of the jury expressed his surprise that through the want of a mortuary it became necessary to bring decomposed bodies to a public house. The want of a mortuary was felt very badly, especially in that district, where bodies were frequently found on the banks of the river."
What are your memories of The Masonic on Lark Lane? Let us know in the comments section below.
Reports suggest the original Masonic Hotel was on the same site of the The Masonic known to more recent generations and in later decades, The Masonic pub as we came to know it was still one of the only pubs on Lark Lane. Welcoming generations of the same family, most residents in the area would visit the pub for a pint, as well as neighbouring pub The Albert and know it experienced much change after many years in business.
In the 1980s, the south Liverpool watering hole also scooped the prestigious ECHO Pub of the Year award. On August 15, the ECHO reported how delighted landlady Ruth Heague and her husband Freddy were with the announcement.
At the time, Ruth said: "I am very proud. Being voted best, considering the reputation and standard of Merseyside pubs, is a great honour. It has been a great team effort. The staff are brilliant, they really are special, the customers are great fun - and the beer is not bad either."
An image from our archives, Mirropix, shows the night of celebrations for regulars and licensee Mrs Ruth Heague at the Masonic Pub in Lark Lane after it was named Pub of the Year. Looking on are Echo editor Chris Oakley and DJ Billy Butler who helped judge the competition, as Mrs Heague holds the ECHO trophy which was presented to her.
Another image shows Tracy Murphy, the licensee at the Masonic Pub in May 1991, proudly displaying her certificate confirming her acceptance as a a member of the Guild of Master Cellermen. In late years customers will remember The Masonic's bold green and cream exterior.
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But by the 00s, the site was regenerated into a trendy new drink spot by the Korova Group and became known as Negresco. Uniquely decorated, the outside of the site was painted charcoal, before it closed in July 2009.
Today, the pub is home to The Lodge and continues to welcome many customers through its doors every week. But many will still hold fond memories of the changing face of Lark Lane and the days of The Masonic pub.
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