Oddfellows Arms - Packington Hill

The Oddfellows Arms, Packington Hill, outwardly little changed in appearance after almost a century.

It is possible that Marston's Brewery acquired this, their only pub in the village, as a part of the purchase of the Springwell Brewery business about 1888. There was a previous building on the site, housing the pub, and a number of cottages also stood next door. These were demolished to build a bungalow prior to it becoming a car park.

In 1841, James Sturgess snr. was landlord and also a maltster: His malt office was next door to the Crown on High Street. He stayed until 1854, being replaced by William Cross who lasted until at least 1870. From 1875 to 1894 six licensees came and went. It is probable that the present Oddfellows Arms opened around 1900.

Ernest Branson was licensee in the 1930s and during these Depression years, Branch 1155 of the Nottingham Oddfellows Friendly Society met to provide assistance to the unemployed. Soldiers were billeted in the pub during World War II and it was the meeting place of Kegworth Cricket Club in the 1960s, until the club opened its new licensed pavilion on the King George V playing field.