The St. Helier Arms
A public house with a very chequered history
By Carole Smiles
The St. Helier Arms was an attractive building perched on the corner of the Circle roundabout
Sutton Local Studies and Archives
The bulding was originally constructed by the old London County Council in 1934 as a community centre for the St. Helier estate but when the money ran out, Whitbread brewers bought the lease on the property. In 1936, the St Helier Arms opened and for years it was a focal point for the estate. The architect who drew the plans for the building was R. G. Muir of Grays Inn.
From the outside of the building it was hard to accept that it truly lived up to the bad reputation which finally forced its closure. The red-brick exterior, though large and somewhat imposing, looked attractive on a sunny day. It had the appearance of a family pub, welcoming and accessible with wooden benches and tables outside.
The Arms was in fact famed for its music and some popular bands of the time performed there.
Skrewdriver Skrewdriver was a British punk rock group and was one of the more notorious bands to play the public house. The band were formed in Poulton-le-Fylde, England in 1976 by Ian Stuart Donaldson. Ian Stuart Donaldson used to perform in a Rolling Stones cover band known as, 'Tumbling Dice'. They started out as a punk band, but changed their image into a skinhead look. They were criticized for some of their musics apparent racist content and this prevented them from going on to higher things.
Bill Hayley was booked to play at The Arms but, unfortunately, died before the gig was able to take place. It is rumoured that the 'bad aura' of The Arms killed him
It is rumoured that the 'bad aura' of The Arms killed him.
This image was provided with the friendly permission of Mr. Klau Klettner from Hydra Records. The copyright holder of this work allows anyone to use it for any purpose including unrestricted redistribution, commercial use, and modification.
Despite the notorious stories told and retold about this public housed, mosty people I have spoken to have nothing but fond memories of the arms and describe it as a large and happy part of their youth. In fact a true local pub with atmosphere and a certain old world charm.
Transcript for 'Enjoying the local - For the locals The Arms was the focal point of the estate':
Many local residents felt the tavern to be the focal point of the estate. A place for the young to let off steam while enjoying music a pint of beer .