Orford

Introduction

A large village and former port, which is now a popular tourist venue and location for small boats. In the past Orford was a town of some importance and the keep and defence works of Henry II's castle (English Heritage - open daily) still dominate the local landscape. Legend has it that in the 12th cent. a merman was captured and kept in the castle for 6 weeks before escaping back into the sea.

Arnold Wilkins and Robert Watson Watt stayed at the Crown & Castle while developing radar on Orfordness in about 1935.

Through the centuries there have been a fair number of drinking establishments in Orford. According to A Survey of Suffolk Parish History, in the 16th century there were four or five inn holders recorded. By 1622 there were eleven alehouses in the village.

St Bartholomew's church, which has also been used to stage performances of Benjamin Britain's works, was formerly much larger. The ruins of the old 12th century chancel can still be seen in the yard. The old market place situated between church and castle now serves as a car-park. The decline of the port is linked to the growth of Orfordness…

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History

The 1841 Census also lists Edgar Cundy (Innkeeper, pub not named, Head/30y/born Suffolk with Sally Cundy (Pub not named, 25y/born Suffolk)) [Coach & Castle?]

The 1844 White's Directory also lists a beer house run by Joseph Roberts.

The 1851 Census also lists George Ling (Innkeeper, pub not named, Head/Married/29y/born Orford) [2 entries from rectory] with Betsey Ling (Pub not named, Wife/Married/27y/born Orford)

The 1855 White's Directory also lists 2 beer houses run by Joseph Borrett (shopkeeper) and Henry Cullum (farmer).

The 1874 White's Directory lists Edward Rope as a maltster, corn & seed & …

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Acknowledgements

Some historical information from English Heritage's National Monuments Record.

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