New home needed for historic Poplar pub sign

Published on: Friday, 24th July 2020
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Could you give a home to a piece of Ilkeston history?

The well-known The Poplar pub, in Bath Street, was demolished last year to make way for 31 new homes and three commercial units.

The former pub was an inn and beer retailer as far back as the 1850s, before it closed for good around 2009. 

It is said to have gained its name due to a “row of noble poplar” trees standing in front of it, according to the Old Ilkeston website, which quoted a letter to the Ilkeston Pioneer in 1892. 

Now the pub has been levelled, Derby-based Hodgkinson Builders, who are behind the redevelopment scheme, are looking for a new home for the pub sign.

Still attached to a 14.5ft pole, the steel sign features a picture of a poplar tree.

Ilkeston-born Ian Hodgkinson, managing director of Hodgkinson’s, said: “I would like for the sign to go to somewhere or someone where it means something or has some sentimental connection.   

It’s a reminder of Ilkeston’s heritage and could make a great reminiscing point.

“I personally would like to see it go to a good cause, or for a charity to benefit, and to stay local.” 

He added that the sign is in “reasonably good nick” but “needs some TLC”.

Anyone interested in the sign can contact Hodgkinson via email at the company website, www.bricklayers.com, or on Twitter @HodgkinsonBuild. 

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