The Bull's Head.

Although Castle Gates is only a short road, stretching from the steps of the Dana down to the entrance to the railway station, it has in its past had ten public houses recorded along its short frontage. The Bull's Head was first listed in 1832 and has kept its original name throughout its history. The building it is housed in dates from the early years of the 19th century and it was built close to the site of the northern gateway into Shrewsbury through the old town defences. The foundations of the building were erected over the defensive ditch, which has caused subsidence, leaving some of the windows in the upper storeys at a very odd angle. At around the same time as this inn opened, another with the same name in Castle Street closed. The old inn had a very fine carved sign over the entrance, which was transferred to these premises, to stand over the front door until about 1874.

From around 1850 until the late 1870s carrier's wagons from Hawkestone, High Ercall and other areas in the north of the county used the Bull's Head as their headquarters and terminus for passengers. The carriers were the early form of the county bus service providing transport to the county town from outlying villages on certain days of the week and also carrying vital goods and necessary items between the two places. In 1856 four carriers used the inn, including two women, Ann Phillips who worked between Shrewsbury and Grinshill on a Saturday and Sarah Wood between the county town and Hardwicke on Wednesdays.

In 1886 the proprietor of the inn was R.F. Morris who advertised the sale of the "Celebrated Manchester Ales." He also sold wines and spirits of the "finest quality," provided "well aired beds" and supplied refreshments of "every description on the shortest notice." By 1900 the inn was owned by Yates & Co. of the Castle Brewery Birkenhead. The customers at this time were described as railway workers, cabmen and the working class. During their visits they were able to amuse themselves with a game of bagatelle.