The main building dates back to 1795 & lies at the heart of Kirksanton, a village centred on the local brewery, originally owned by the Brockbank brothers.

It was the last pub of the Cumbrian based chain to be sold off in the 1950s.

Named after King William IV, the popular sea-faring monarch of the early 17th century, parts of the pub have recently been refurbished in a nautical theme to maintain connections with the king.