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Wrentham Spread Eagle
listed building grade II
CAMRA North-East Suffolk branch.
last updated May 28th, 2020.
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Wrentham Spread Eagle
also traded as Eagle
closed 1989
opened pre-1841
High St
grid reference TM 499 828
According to Alfred Hedges' 1976 book, "Inns and Inn Signs of Norfolk and Suffolk", the Spread Eagle was the sign of Catherine of Aragon.
The pub was licensed as just the "Eagle" from at least 1957 until 1965, when "Spread" was prepended to the name.
This is now part of Eagle Court. I lived there with my parents (Marjorie and James(Jim) Smedley) from 1962 to 1972. There was one more landlord after mum and dad left then it closed around a few yeas later.From Annette Day, nee Smedley
The building dates from the 18th century, with 19th century alterations.
It's shown (though not named) as a hotel on this old OS map from about the end of the 19th century. interactive map
Gallery
Horse & Groom 0.23 mile
Five Bells 0.60 mile
Plough 2.4 miles
Livingstone's 2.7 miles
Sailors Home 2.9 miles
Angel Inn 3.0 milesHistorical interest
Died on Monday the 10th October 1825, aged 66, Mr Dent Chilvers, many years landlord of the Spread Eagle Inn, Wrentham.Ipswich Journal, October 1825**
Died on the 19th December 1825, aged 29, Mr James Chilvers, landlord of the Spread Eagle, Wrentham.Ipswich Journal, December 1825**
Lucy Fiske, of the Eagle Inn, Wrentham, applied for an extension in time to 11pm on Wednesday 6th January 1875, on the occasion of a rent audit, which the Bench granted.Ipswich Journal, January 1875**
In 1900 a description of the pub said, "visitors requiring country rest with sea air, will find every accommodation at the above hotel; trains met at Southwold or Lowestoft station by appointment".
It was the home of the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows in 1916.
Landlords
Footnote
The spread eagle was originally a Roman sign and later used by many countries including Austria, Germany, Russia, Spain & France. The sign is also used by many English noble families.
(Most pub, location & historic details collated by Nigel, Tony or Keith - original sources are credited)
(information supplied by Annette Day (nee Smedley)
(some old PO directory information courtesy of londonpublichouse.com)
(** historic newspaper information from Stuart Ansell)
Old OS map reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland.
