THE Wheatsheaf pub building has been in Barrow for more than 150 years.

It was ​built in 1862 and received a wine license in 1874.

It was sold by public auction on October 30, 1873. The owner P. Huddart fixed the reserve price at £475. In the event the Wheasheaf was sold to Edward P. Dawson of Burton-on- Trent for £620. The high price paid was commented on in the local press.

It was rebuilt in 1926 and had a full license in 1949.

Its close proximity to the town’s former Steeleworks and Ironworks made it a popular watering hole with those who worked there.

It is was also a good drinking spot for rugby fans, being based next to Craven Park.

One of its former landlords Mike Fallon recalled a time when on match days queues were out of the door.

When the pub was put on the market last year, Mr Fallon said: “When the rugby were at home you couldn’t even get to the bar it was so busy.

“Towards the end, it didn’t even open on match days.”

Mr Fallon said that it was where he went to drink as soon as he was old enough, as did his father and his grandfather before him.

He also said that when the shipyard used to have an hour lunch the pub

would serve meals.

Mr Fallon said the smoking ban also hit the pub.