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Ipswich Rainbow Hotel

Ipswich Rainbow Hotel

South, 52.05943,1.14937

closed 6th November 1961

last owner/operator: Tolly Cobbold

2-4 St Matthew's St

grid reference TM 159 447

The pub is shown (though not named) on this OS town plan from about 1880. Comparing it to the more recent photograph, it appears the building may have been somewhat remodelled in between. (larger map).

old OS map

This prominent pub famously closed soon after a murder occurred on the premises. It's since been demolished; the road junction is now much wider.

Popular with many US service men at a time when the USAF was rather racially segregated. The white folks went to the Queens Head and the coloured servicemen took over the Rainbow. I saw a few fights and the Military Police used to turn up and throw the drunks in the back of a van. They were then grounded on the base for a while.Ian Johnson

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Footnote

Nearby, Hyde Park Corner is a name given to the junction of Crown St, St Matthew's St and Westgate St.

(Most pub, location & historic details collated by Nigel, Tony or Keith - original sources are credited)

(old PO directory information courtesy of londonpublichouse.com)

Old OS map reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland.

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