Overview

The Government of the 1820s and 1830s were keen to promote beer drinking instead of spirits, especially gin. Widespread drunkenness through gin consumption was believed to be detrimental to the working class, and had led to the rise of the Temperance Society which campaigned for closure of the 'gin shops'. The former drink of the working man: beer, was taxed which meant the cost of beer could be prohibitive to the working classes despite that fact that beer was safer to drink than water. Water at this time was untreated and dangerous to drink.

The Beerhouse Act (1 Will. IV, c.64 1830) was introduced by the Duke of Wellington's Tory government. It abolished the beer tax, extended the opening hours of licensed public houses, taverns and alehouses to 18 hours a day. Previously it was 15 hours. These were subject to the control of the local justices, and licensing was required.

The Act also introduced the Beerhouse. Premises which could sell only beer. The opening hours could be from 4am to 10pm. For a small fee of 2 guineas payable to the local excise officer, anyone could brew and sell beer. The excise licence would state whether the beer could be drunk on or off the premises. Supervision of these establishments by local justices was severely curtailed which led to many local complaints by magistrates and local gentry keen to control the working classes in their area.

Within a few months over 24000 beerhouse excise licenses were granted. The beerhouses provided not only beer, but food, games and some even lodging. Beerhouses were also known by the name ''small beer' or 'Tom and Jerry' shops. In villages and towns many shopkeepers opened their own beerhouse and sold beer alongside their shop wares. Beer would be brewed on the premises or purchased from brewers.

Many beerhouses became the haunt of criminals, prostitutes and some even became brothels. Concern over law and order resulted in the excise fee being raised to 3 guineas and property qualifications introduced. But it was not until 1869 that a change in the law brought licensing of the beerhouses back under the control of the local justices. Many then closed, or changed to fully licensed public houses.

Debenham Pubs
    The Pubs

    The Angel

    Address: 5 High Street, Debenham, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 6QL. Tel: 01728 860954.
    Status: Open

    The Angel was previously called The Talbot from about 1617 until 1620 when it was renamed to become The Angel.

    Debenham, The Angel Inn - 2008

     

    I took the photo above in 2008.

    Bell

    See the "George".

    Bells Inn

    See the "George".

    Buck

    See the "Bucks Head Inn".

    Buck's Head Inn (AKA The Buck)

    Address: 27 High Street, Debenham
    Status: Originally a 16th Century Coaching Inn, now closed.

    Cherry Tree Inn

    Address: 1 Cherry Tree Lane, Debenham, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 6QT. Tel: 01728 860275.
    Status: Closed as a Pub in 2008, now home to Debenham Veterinary Practice.

    Debenham, The Cherry Tree Inn - 1906
     

    This image is taken from a Postcard that was posted in 1906.


    Debenham, The Cherry Tree Inn - 2008

    I took the above photo just before the Cherry Tree closed in 2008.

    • 1823 - John Gonner, & Auctioneer (taken from 1823/1824 Pigot's Suffolk Directory)
    • 1830 - Edmund Tydeman/a>1
    • 1839 - Edmund Tydeman/a>8
    • 1839 - E Tydeman/a>9
    • 1844 - Edm. Tydeman (taken from 1844 White's Suffolk Directory)
    • 1851 - Edmund Tydeman (taken from the 1851 Census - HO107 1797 88 Page
    • 1855 - Edm. Tydeman (taken from 1855 White's Suffolk Directory)
    • 1858 - Edmund Tydeman (taken from 1858 Kelly's Suffolk Directory)
    • 1861 - Seth Rolfe10
    • 1865 - Seth Rolfe (taken from the 1865 Kelly's Suffolk directory
    • 1867 - Seth Rolfe to Charles Cullingham (taken from original document dated 6th June 1867)
    • 1869 - Henry Neale, & plumber & glazier (taken from 1869 Post Office Suffolk Directory)
    • 1871 - James Collins3
    • 1874 - James Collins (taken from 1874 White's Suffolk Directory)
    • 1881 - James Flagg4
    • 1885 - Peter Howlett
    • 1891 - Peter Howlett5
    • 1892 - Peter Howlett (taken from 1892 White's Suffolk Directory)
    • 1892 - Joseph Whitehart (taken from 1892 Kelly's Suffolk Directory)
    • 1893 - Joseph Whitehart (taken from a Parish Marriage dated 10th May 1893)
    • 1896 - Hy. Jsph. Fox (taken from 1896 Kelly's Suffolk Directory)
    • 1900 - Henry Joseph Fox (taken from 1900 Kelly's Suffolk Directory)
    • 1901 - Henry J Fox6
    • 1912 - Henry Joseph Fox (taken from 1912 Kelly's Suffolk Directory)
    • 1916 - Jas Sharman (taken from 1916 Kelly's Suffolk Directory)
    • 1925 - Jas Sharman (taken from 1925/1926 Kelly's Suffolk Directory)
    • 1929 - Jas Sharman (taken from 1929 Kelly's Suffolk Directory)
    • 1937 - Chas. Stewert Turner (taken from 1937 Kelly's Suffolk Directory)

    Dove Inn

    Address: Down Row, Debenham, Stowmarket, Suffolk.
    Status: Now a private house.

    Debenham, The Old Dove

    The Dove Inn (also known as The Old Dove), was in Down Row in Debenham. Today it is a private house. I took the above photo in 2008.

    Residents at the Dove Inn have included the following:


    Eight Bells Inn (AKA Bells Inn)

    Address: Debenham, Stowmarket, Suffolk.
    Status: Demolished.

    The Eight Bells Inn used to be on the Green facing the row of houses to the left of Foresters Hall. These do not exist any more. The Eight Bells Inn was burnt down as a result of a fire in Goodings Paint Shop which was next door to it, in 1911. There is a photo of the Pub and Paint Shop after the fire in "A Short History of Debenham" by Pauline Heywood - See Shop for more details.

    In the 1851 & 1861 Census's, it is referred to as "Bells Inn".

    • 1823 - Widow Taylor (taken from 1823/1824 Pigot's Suffolk Directory)
    • 1830 - Daniel Smith (taken from 1830 Pigot's Suffolk Directory)
    • 1830 - Daniel Smith1
    • 1839 - James Smith (taken from 1839 Robson's Suffolk Directory)
    • 1839 - James Smith (taken from 1839 Pigot's Suffolk Directory)
    • 1844 - John Carter (taken from 1844 White's Suffolk Directory)
    • 1851 - Mary Cater (sic) (taken from the 1851 Census - HO107 1797 131 Page 47)
    • 1855 - Mary Carter (taken from 1855 White's Suffolk Directory)
    • 1858 - Samuel Pepper (taken from 1858 Kelly's Suffolk Directory)
    • 1861 - Wallman Norman10
    • 1865 - Frederick Plumping (taken from 1865 Kelly's Suffolk Directory)
    • 1869 - Frederick Plumping (taken from 1869 Post Office Suffolk Directory)
    • 1871 - Fredk Plamping3
    • 1874 - John Sterry (taken from 1874 White's Suffolk Directory)
    • 1881 - Charlotte Cattermole4
    • 1885 - Charlotte Cattermole (taken from 1885 White's Suffolk Directory)
    • 1891 - David Green5
    • 1891 - David Green (taken from 1891/1892 White's Suffolk Directory)
    • 1892 - David Green (taken from 1892 Kelly's Suffolk Directory)
    • 1892 - David Green (taken from 1892 White's Suffolk Directory)
    • 1896 - Henry Parker (taken from 1896 Kelly's Suffolk Directory)
    • 1900 - John Denney (taken from 1900 Kelly's Suffolk Directory)
    • 1901 - John Denny6 NOTE: Not explicitly stated to be at the Eight Bells)

    Exchequer

    Address: Down Row, Debenham, Stowmarket, Suffolk.
    Status: Now a private house.

    • about 1813 - 1816

    Falcon Inn

    Address: Debenham, Stowmarket, Suffolk.
    Status: Now a private house.

    George

    Address: 1 Chancery Lane, Debenham, Suffolk
    Status: Pub Closed. Now Abbots Hardware.

    • 1621 - John Bond (taken from 1621 Survey Blodhall, F8V)
    • 1758 - Tho. Gooding (taken from the Ipswich Journal, dated 4th Nov, 1758)
    • 1767 - James Morling, Grocer "occupied premises lately the "George Inn"" (taken from Ref: Ipswich HA98/A6, dated 18th Jun, 1767.)

    Green Dragon Inn

    Address: 21 High Street, Debenham, Suffolk
    Status: Pub Closed.  Now Abbotts Housewares

    • 1650 - Thomas Abbott, Purchased in 1650 and converted it into a Cordwainers business (taken from Listed Buildings 1950 7A/34511)

    Green Man

    Address: Debenham, Stowmarket, Suffolk.
    Status: Pub Closed

    • TBA

    Half Moon

    Address: 35 Church Row, Debenham, Stowmarket, Suffolk.
    Status: Demolished, now the site of a private dwelling.

    • 1713 - 1881

    Joiners Arms

    Address: 33 Gracechurch Street, Debenham, Stowmarket, Suffolk.
    Status: Now a private dwelling.

    King's Head Inn

    Address: High Street, Debenham, Stowmarket, Suffolk.
    Status: Now a private dwelling.

    • 1714
    • 1814 - George Allen14
    • 1815 - George Allen14
    • 1823 - George Allen15
    • 1830 - Hannah Allen1
    • 1839 - Thomas Bedwell (taken from 1839 Robson's Suffolk Directory)
    • 1839 - Thoms Bedwell (taken from 1839 Pigot's Suffolk Directory)
    • 1844 - Wm. Cook (taken from 1844 White's Suffolk Directory)
    • 1855 - John Butcher, farrier (taken from 1855 White's Suffolk Directory)
    • 1858 - Philip Gooding
    • 1865 - John Butcher, farrier(or farmer) (taken from 1855 White's Suffolk Directory)
    • 1869 - William Brittan (taken from 1869 Post Office Suffolk Directory)
    • 1871 - William Brittain3
    • 1874 - William Brittan (taken from 1874 White's Suffolk Directory)
    • 1881 - Elizabeth Churchyard4
    • 1885 - Edward Mortimer
    • 1891 - Emma Mortimer5
    • 1892 - Mrs Emma Mortimer
    • 1896 - Edward Mortimer (taken from a Parish Marriage Record dated 7 Sep, 1896)
    • 1896 - Richard Sage (taken from 1896 Kelly's Suffolk Directory )
    • 1900 - Isaac Osborne16
    • 1901 - Isaac Osborne6
    • 1908 - Isaac Osborne17

    Old Dove

    See the "Dove Inn".

    Old Beer House

    See the "Prince Of Wales".

    Prince Of Wales (AKA Old Beer House)

    Address: Old Beer House, Chancery Lane, Debenham, Stowmarket, Suffolk.
    Status: Now a private dwelling.

    Debenham, The Old Beer House - 2008

    The Old Beer House is thought to be originally the Prince Of Wales. I took the above photo in 2008.

    Description from Sales particulars in August 1896 - "The Prince Of Wales" Licenced for the sale of Beer, situate in Chancery Lane, and extending back to Great Back Lane, in the Parish of Debenham. The House is brick, stud and plaster, with plain tiled roof and painted front, and has - A tiled passage; Bar Smioking Room; Beer Store, to hold 18 barrels; Sitting Room, 15ft. 6in. by 10 ft. 6in., with Storeroom; Tap Room; Kitchen, with Pantry; Coal Cellar; Landing; Two Front Bedrooms; Three Back Bedrooms; and Two Lumber Rooms. There is a Cartway under the North side of the House, also forming Bowling Alley, covered by a pantilted roof; Outhouse and Urinal at end.

    A Yard - With gateway, into Great Back Lane; pump and well of water; also brick and pantile Washhouse; Coal Store; Cart Shed; and 2-Stall Stable; and, abutting upon Great Back LAne, brick and pantile STABLING, with 2 loose boxes, and loft over. There is a SMALL ORCHARD on the opposite side of the road to the house, with 5 fruit trees thereon. The Property has a frontage of about 35 ft., and an Area, with the Orchard, of 22 Rods, or thereabouts.

    Tenure Freehold. Land Tax, £1 0s. 5 1/4d. Now let to Mr. Fredk Taylor at £10 per annum. The Fittings are the property of the Vendor (Messrs. W. G. Ranson & Son).

    18

    Queens Head

    Address: 7 - 9 Chancery Lane, Debenham, Stowmarket, Suffolk.
    Status: Now a private dwelling.
    • about 1816

    Ram

    Address: Debenham, Stowmarket, Suffolk.
    Status: Now a private dwelling.
     

    • 1712 - 1816

    Red Lion (AKA The Lion)

    Address: 8 High Street, Debenham, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 6QT.
    Status: Now (24th November, 2023) re-opened as a Pub.

    Debenham, High Street c1955. (Neg. D121021) © Copyright The Francis Frith Collection 2008. http://www.francisfrith.com
    Reproduced courtesy of The Francis Frith Collection.

    The Red Lion in the High Street on the left of the image above and on the right of the image below.

    Debenham, The Red Lion

    Debenham, The Red Lion - 2008

    I took this photo (above) in 2008.

    Swan

    Address: Gracechurch Street, Debenham, Stowmarket, Suffolk.
    Status: Now a private dwelling.
    • about 1816

    Talbot

    The Talbot existed from about 1617 until 1620, when it was renamed The Angel.

    Ten Bells

    • TBA

    White Horse

    • TBA

    Woolpack

    Address: 49 High Street, Debenham, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 6QN. Tel: 01728 860516.
    Status: Pub open

    The Wool Pack in the High Street on the right of the image below.

    Debenham, High Street c1965. (Neg. D121047) © Copyright The Francis Frith Collection 2008. http://www.francisfrith.com
    Reproduced courtesy of The Francis Frith Collection.

    Debenham, The Woolpack - 2008

    I took this photo in 2008.

    Citations

    1. [S86] Unknown directory type, 1830 "See Person Page for detailed Citation."
    2. [S83] Kelly's Suffolk Directory, 1858 "See Person Page for detailed Citation."
    3. [S15] 1871 Census for England & Wales (online image) "See Person Page for detailed Citation."
    4. [S25] 1881 Census for England & Wales (online image) "See Person Page for detailed Citation."
    5. [S16] 1891 Census for England & Wales (online image) "See Person Page for detailed Citation."
    6. [S3] 1901 Census for England & Wales (online image) "See Person Page for detailed Citation."
    7. [S132] Directory, 1937 "See Person Page for detailed Citation."
    8. [S87] National & Commercial Directory & Topography, 1839 "See Person Page for detailed Citation."
    9. [S89] Commercial Directory, 1839 "See Person Page for detailed Citation."
    10. [S26] 1861 Census for England & Wales (online image) "See Person Page for detailed Citation."
    11. [S705] Directory, 1922 "GBC_1921_RG15_09379_0399."
    12. [S624] 1939 National Register for England & Wales (online image) "TXFN Gipping 209-1 Schedule 34."
    13. [S1170] Probate of unknown testator.
    14. [S36] Microfilm Baptisms, St. Mary Magdalene, Debenham, 1754 to 1899 "See Person Page for detailed Citation."
    15. [S85] Pigot's Suffolk Directory, 1823/1824 "See Person Page for detailed Citation."
    16. [S139] Directory, 1900 "See Person Page for detailed Citation."
    17. [S148] Directory, 1908 "See Person Page for detailed Citation."
    18. [S1532] Sales Particulars, Suffolk Record Office, 25th August, 1896 "unknown cd."
    19. [S82] History, Gazetteer and Directory, 1855.
    20. [S83] Kelly's Suffolk Directory, 1858.
    21. [S861] Kelly's Cambridge, Norfolk & Suffolk Directory, 1869.
    22. [S15] 1871 Census for England & Wales (online image).
    23. [S145] History, Gazetteer and Directory, 1874.
    24. [S25] 1881 Census for England & Wales (online image).
    25. [S140] History, Gazetteer and Directory, 1885.
    26. [S16] 1891 Census for England & Wales (online image).
    27. [S142] History, Gazetteer and Directory, 1892.
    28. [S141] Kelly's Suffolk Directory, 1892.
    29. [S139] Directory, 1900 "Proprietor."
    30. [S148] Directory, 1908.
    31. [S119] Directory, 1912.
    32. [S149] Directory, 1916.
    33. [S135] Directory, 1925.
    34. [S705] Directory, 1922.
    35. [S1321] 1921 Census for England & Wales (online image).
    36. [S152] Directory, 1929.
    37. [S134] Directory, 1933.
    38. [S132] Directory, 1937.
    39. [S624] 1939 National Register for England & Wales (online image).
    40. [S624] 1939 National Register for England & Wales (online image) "See Person Page for detailed Citation."