William Eckford was granted the license for the Prince Albert Inn in the original premises of the Black Horse Inn, Newcastle Street, East Maitland. John Smith's farm began at the rear of the Inn.

The license was transferred to former baker James Fulford in December, 1847. James and his wife Grace Sophia had four children. Grace Sophia died aged 24 on 23 October 1848 after a long illness.18 

The Inn was advertised for lease by Fulford in November 1849 and he moved out in June 1850, advertising his furniture and stock for sale.

The license was held by Charles Wilson early in 1851 however by May he had decided to retire from business and advertised to sell by auction all the household furniture of the Inn as well as a wooden house on wheels, hay and coal.(50)