The brothers Baden-Powell and a mystery Old Portsmouth pub

The Mafeking public house in Warblington Street, Old Portsmouth, was named after the town of the same name in South Africa famed for its Boer War siege.
The United Ales pub The Mafeking in Warblington Street, Old Portsmouth.  The power station chimney can be seen on the right.The United Ales pub The Mafeking in Warblington Street, Old Portsmouth.  The power station chimney can be seen on the right.
The United Ales pub The Mafeking in Warblington Street, Old Portsmouth. The power station chimney can be seen on the right.

The town was besieged for 217 days by the Boers until it was finally relieved by a flying column of 2,000 British soldiers and South African volunteers from Kimberley who fought their way in.

The siege was finally lifted on May 17, 1900.

Among the relieving force was Major Baden Baden-Powell, the brother of the town’s garrison commander Robert Baden-Powell who went on to form the Scout movement.

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After that famous escapade many public houses were named after the siege or the commanders who were in charge.

But the Mafeking pub, in Warblington Street appears to be something of a mystery.

I have been through many old books I have on the area plus the Portsmouth pubs website and still I can find nothing about it.

If you know anything concerning this long-forgotten establishment please contact me via the e-mail address at the top of the page.