This Pub is Permanently Closed
Reputedly the oldest remaining pub in Ipswich (believed to date from the early 16th century & recorded in 1639). A Bell Inn is known to have existed in this area since well before the Civil War. The name may refer to a bell foundry which existed nearby before the inn was constructed; there's documentary evidence of this as far back as medieval times. Reports (November 2009) in the local media suggest there may be a possibility that the Old Bell will re-open as a "sports bar". Photographs of this pub and more historical information about it can be found at suffolkcamra.co.uk/pubs/pub/523
Historic Interest
A report in the Ipswich Journal*** in Oct 1800 states that : Saturday last (11th), died, Mrs Bore, wife of Mr Bore, of the Bell, in St Mary Stoke, Ipswich. A report in the Ipswich Journal** on 07 Oct & 11 Oct in 1837 states that : Died, on 03 Oct 1837, after a short illness, aged 42, Mrs MILLS, wife of Mr MILLS of the Bell Inn, Stoke, Ipswich It was listed in 1844 + 1865 as being in Dock Street & in 1855 in Bell Lane. May also be listed at St Mary's parish, Stoke. A report in the Ipswich Journal*** in Dec 1870 states that : The license for the Bell Inn, Stoke, was transferred from the late James Spall to his widow Sarah Spall. The pub is also believed to stand close to a former bell foundary. The corner post was carved by Mr Ringham, an eminent 19th cent wood carver.
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