William Nicholson (1824-1909) Distiller, politican, cricket player, benefactor This alehouse is part of the Nicholson's heritage collection. They're all different, yet they all owe something to the man who founded them. William Nicholson was a Victorian all-rounder - a businessman, MP and sporting hero. He played first-class cricket, ran the family's distilling business, and financed Lord's Cricket Ground and its famous pavilion. In 1873, William revitalised a collection of characterful alehouses, each one and architectural delight with a strong sense of place and individuality. William added craftsmanship - marble, tiling, vibrant leaded windows - and his larger-than-life personality