From The Hull Daily Mail: Time has been called on one of Hull's most famous landmarks, 180 years after it first opened its doors. Once frequented by seamen from the docks, the Earl de Grey pub in Waterhouse Lane has stood out as a piece of the city's history among the new developments along Castle Street. But yesterday, landlady Gail Greenwood rang the bell for the last time at the inn, which was established in 1829 and quickly gained a seedy reputation. It is not yet known what will happen to the pub following owner Robert Mays' decision to close it down. But its familiar facade is likely to stay the same, as the building is listed and its frontage cannot be moved or altered without permission. Mrs Greenwood said the pub has cleaned up its image during her seven years as landlady, and has built up a pack of regulars. She said: "I am glad I took it on as it was a challenge, but now it's time to move on. "I am very sad to see it go. We are closing the doors on history." The pub was first known as the Junction Dock Tavern, but changed its name to the Earl de Grey in honour of the man who was made High Steward of Hull King's Navy in 1872. Its hospitality ·with booze and women ·was legendary among sailors of the 19th and early 20th centuries. A report in a national newspaper from 1957 said travellers from as far away as India and China would pitch up at the pub asking "Is this the place?". Until 15 years ago, two parrots lived in the pub mimicking the drunken revellers who propped up the bar. Cha Cha and Ringo were popular regulars until the pub was burgled in 1985. The thieves, fearing the chatty parrots would reveal their identities, stabbed Cha Cha to death. Legend has it the bird was later buried under Castle Street during the road's construction. Lonely Ringo pined for his mate and never spoke again.