A HISTORIC Elstree pub, used for the inquest in the famous 19th century William Weare murder case, will become a synagogue.

A charitable trust called Tajtelbaum will convert The Artichoke, in Elstree Hill North, after securing planning permission last week.

Despite concerns from local residents of increased traffic on an already busy road, which joins High Street where there is a synagogue, church and school, permission was granted on September 9.

The decision was made by council officers, rather than councillors, as the application will not significantly alter the building.

The Tajtelbaum Charitable Trust will demolish part of the ground floor to construct an area for worship and will build single storey side and rear extensions.

The Artichoke building is cemented in local history for being used by magistrates to investigate the murder of solicitor William Weare in 1823.

Weare was killed over a gambling debt of £300 owed to amateur boxer John Thurtell.

He was shot in the face and had his throat cut at the cottage of Thurtell's accomplice, William Probert, of Oaks Close, off Gills Hill Lane in Radlett. Weare was later dumped in a nearby fishpond.

An investigation was launched after workmen found the murder weapons and an inquest was held at The Artichoke pub in Elstree – the sensational case was well documented by newspapers of the day.