Trumpetjazz Bilston

It's history dates back to 1830, at which time it was a domestic house and butcher's shop until the then Duke of Wellington granted to the householder (on payment of a fee), the right to sell ale and beer from his premises. As it was a butcher's shop, it became known as 'The Butcher's Arms'. In later years it became known as 'The Royal Exchange'. An 'Exchange' was a place where people who could no

t pay their taxes in cash, could 'exchange' their various products for their market value (or tax value) with His Majesty's Collector of Taxes, and so pay off their tax debts to His Majesty the King. It is almost certain that there is a pub of this name in every English town or city. How it acquired the name 'The Trumpet' is a rather 'naughty' story and cannot be revealed in a 'family' orientated Web page, but can be read on a poster in the pub itself (you have to visit to find out !). Jazz started here under the ownership of one 'Les Megson' in the late 50's-early 60's, who, as the pub was usually not very busy, used to play his jazz records at
quite a high volume, simply because he loved jazz!. This music was heard by a very talented pianist/instrumentalist who lived just over the road from the pub, Tommy Burton, who offered to play there free, just for the fun of it. All he got paid was the money that people donated on a collection tray, and this tradition still exists. About the same time as Tommy, along came another very fine pianist and raconteur, Reg Keirle to supplement him. People started to get interested in this music, and musicians also started to turn up with their respective instruments to 'sit in'. It became in effect a 'jam session'. Pop-group Slade were also local lads, and were very often to be found in the 'Trumpet', and the pub is still their official 'fan' club base with meetings every so often. Soon, one night became two, and two became three, and so on, and now jazz is available seven nights a week , plus Sunday lunch time. (all of it free, all that is asked is a donation on the collection tray)