The Mansion house was built in about 1602, this entire three story building was known as “The Mansion House”. The location of the pub was perfect for surveillance over the River Shannon, the Old Town Bridge and the main “Connaught Marketer Street”. The building was fortified inside the old town walls and protected by the castle cannons and nearby bastions.

The first known owners were the family of Captain Richard St George (1590-16670) who was the governor of Athlone town and castle. He is buried locally with his wife Ann at St. Mary’s Church. Their first son Arthur St. George also resided here and was the town baliff and commissioner for Poll Money’. He also represented Athlone in the House of Commons in 1692-3 and 195-99.

The ‘Mansion House’ was divided into four separate dwellings by Henry Fry in about 1740 and is now known as Fry Place. In 1806 in order to avoid higher taxes the large ‘Wyatt style’ windows and shop fronts were installed. In the 1920’s this premises became James Elliot’s pub and grocery. This property is regarded as being of ‘Regional Architectural Importance’ and still remains it’s unique historical charm. Historic artefacts can be seen across the pub.