c1988
Earliest known deeds dated 24th February 1700 when
known as the
SPITTLE HOUSE and leased
by
John & Elizabeth Dinch.
Named the
LAZAR in 1755
Probably the
HOSPITAL
public house without St Stephen's Gates, as named April 1777
when Mr. Goose, an old offender, was charged with stealing from the
washhouse.
One of 40 houses named as being engaged for the Reception of Freeholders for
Sir John Woodhouse and Sir Edward Astley's Friends on the Day of Election,
Wednesday 14th April 1784.
Then named the
HAMMER & TROWEL,
St. Stephens Gates.
For Sale by Auction Thursday 22nd September 1785.
Then the property of John Branch, a Bankrupt, being sold by order of
the Assignees of his Estate and Effects. The property being leased
for 21 years to Robert Brett, of which 19 were unexpired, at the
yearly Rent of £15.
One of 36 Norwich houses opened for the reception of Voters in the
interest of Mr. Windham and Mr. Coke on election day Thursday 13th
November 1806. The name of the Hundred for which the house was
appropriated was to be displayed at each house.
On the night of Wednesday 30th September 1807, or early in the
following day, the house was broken into and £160 stolen in bills
and cash.
First found as the
TROWEL & HAMMER in
1811
Offered for sale Monday 15th September 1819, then in the occupation of Mr Boast who
`will give up possession Michaelmas next.'
As at St. Stephens Gates 1830 & 1845
For Sale by Auction Monday, 18th August 1856.
"Within about one hundred yards of the Entrance to the Eastern
Union Railway Termination; containing an entrance hall, bar,
four good sitting rooms, tap room or kitchen, back kitchen,
pantry, parcel room, eight bed rooms, and extensive arched
cellar; pump, &c. in Yard: a five stalled stable and hay loft,
ostler's room, and chamber over; stable for four horses and
corn-chamber, and stabling for twenty-five horses, with hay
loft. A Frontage of about 84 feet next to the Turnpike Road.
At the rear of the property, a spacious Yard for Carriages...."
William C. Browne advised his Friends and the Public, 13th April
1867, that he had taken the Inn. He had previously been Coachman to
Mr. J. H. Gurney Esq. and before that in the employ of the late J.
Pilgrim Esq.
At the County Court, Monday 10th February 1913, it was heard that
domestic servant Ellen Gillett had on 21st December 1912, entrusted
the ostler in the employ of George Comer with her bicycle. She
usually paid 2d or 3d for leaving the machine at the public house.
She had not seen the bicycle since leaving it in charge of the
ostler. The prosecution pointed out that signs saying "First Class
accommodation for motorists and cyclists" and "Good Accommodation for
motorists and cyclists" were exhibited on the premises.
Ellen Gillett and the other user of the bicycle, Ruth Kett, sought
return of the machine or in default £6 10s, the value of the bicycle
and 10s damages.
Although the ostler denied receiving the machine on the day stated
and a stableman not seeing Ellen Gillett on the day, His Honour said
it was a plain case and was he innkeeper's liability. He ordered
Comer to pay the value of the property, but disallowed the claim for
damages.
Tudor Lounge created in 1953 from what had been the original stables of
the coaching inn.
Oak Lounge created in 1969 (Opened June) by
` combining the original lounge, snug and public bar into one large room,
retaining an atmosphere of yesteryear'.
Lunchtime restaurant facilities were then introduced in the Tudor Lounge.
Chicken curry was on the menu at 6/- (30p)
Grilled rump steak and all the trimmings for 12/3 (61p)
A businessman's lunch of soup, traditional English dish and sweet would
cost 10/6 (53p).
Snacks including ploughman's lunches and daily hot dish could be had in
the Oak Lounge.
Renamed 03.07.1997 FINNEGANS WAKE,
an Irish Theme pub.
Back to the TROWEL & HAMMER April
2002
Became the GRILL HOUSE, Restaurant and Hotel, 2020.
