Dolphin Inn

“The Dolphin was looked upon by ancient seamen as a friendly creature that would help them in a storm by twining itself around the anchor cable. This would prevent the anchor from dragging and secure the safety of the ship. With such a reputation it was not surprising that Dolphin became a much used ship name, being used in the Royal Navy from 1648 to the present day (Dunkling and Wright, ‘Pub Names of Britain’ 1987). Neither is it surprising that it has long been a much used pub name, particularly in seaports, with each of the Three Towns – Plymouth, Stonehouse and Devonport – at one time having their own. Today, most famously, only the Plymouth pub survives (on the Barbican). Until January 1938 however there was also a Dolphin Inn in Granby Street, Devonport, it stood just a few yards to the east of the entrance to Marlborough Street (on a site now part of Granby Way).

Licensees

1791 - Phillip Collom
1822 - John Davis
1930 - William Veale
1844 - Thomas Shute
1878 - W Hill
1882 - WH Physick
1885 - F Rowe
1888 - J Dolton
1893 - Thomas Walke
1895 - Frederick Harrison
1899 - Fitzhenry Nicholls
1903 - Henry Pellow
1923 - David Hegarty