Renowned Lancaster pub landlord loved by city's first university students dies at age of 84

Former pub landlord George Daly, well-known and never forgotten by hundreds of the very first students at Lancaster University during its start-up years, has died at the age of 84.
The Shakespeare, where George Daly was landlord during the 1960s.The Shakespeare, where George Daly was landlord during the 1960s.
The Shakespeare, where George Daly was landlord during the 1960s.

George was 'Mine Host' of The Shakespeare in St Leonard’s Gate opposite the Grand Theatre in October 1964 when Lancaster University welcomed its first 331 students attending lectures in the converted ex-Waring and Gillows factory, next door to his pub.

Overnight in Freshers Week George found his traditional little pub known as ‘The Shakey' almost swamped by the first student intake bringing Swinging 60s socialising after their lectures in the ex-Gillows premises and in the disused church at Stonewell.

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George his wife and family lived above his already popular and cosy Front and Upstairs Bars - beloved not just by locals sipping a Mitchell’s pint with dominoes and darts, but also by theatre-goers and young soldiers thirsty after training at the nearby Drill Hall in Phoenix Street.

George Daly pulling his final pint at The Shakespeare.George Daly pulling his final pint at The Shakespeare.
George Daly pulling his final pint at The Shakespeare.

As landlord George skilfully managed customer demand - and who he welcomed! The Shakey held its reputation as the perfect little bar for all.

Being 10 years older than his student customers in 1964 George was respected for friendship and advice by them and by young King’s Own soldiers who served difficult duties in Aden and Cyprus.

Many returned to catch up with George over following years. In those earliest five years of the university, George and his pub were renowned, fondly regarded by students while the university gradually moved out of the city centre to Bailrigg campus.

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For the first students coming to a brand new university and to live in digs with landladies there was no student accommodation owned by the university in its earliest years, so popping into The Shakey with its coal fire brought comfort and unforgettable friendships.

George gave The Shakey its own popularity beside three other pubs also on St Leonardgate catering for locals in the terraced streets that were demolished later to make way for a promised Eastern Relief Road, which was never built. The area remains an undeveloped car park, but The Shakespeare continued to thrive, becoming a residential hotel.

In January 1969 George left the licensed trade for a new career. In his last week running the pub his customers including many students long since graduated returned for a series of farewell nights and never forgot George, their friend and host.

George moved with his wife and children to Harrogate, Yorkshire where he died at his home. George leaves his wife and his extended family.