android appBawdsey Lifeboat
CAMRA Ipswich & East Suffolk branch.
last updated Nov 21st, 2021.
Something we've got wrong about this establishment? Something more you think we should know about it? Please email us
Bawdsey Lifeboat
also traded as Old Beach House
North, 52.03145,1.44918
Closed: reputedly during WW2.
opened 1810
Shingle St
grid reference TM 366 426
The pub is shown on this old OS map from about the end of the 19th century. interactive map
The 1904 Woodbridge licensing records show that the Lifeboat's license was issued in 1894. Whether this was when it was first licensed or when it got a full (ie not just beer) license isn't clear, though the latter seems more probable.
The pub was reportedly blown up during RAF bomb testing during WWII. Indeed the Woodbridge licensing records say that the Lifeboat was "destroyed by war actions". There must have been some hope of rebuilding the pub, as the license was kept active until 1962, when it was finally relinquished…
Gallery
Shepherd & Dog 1.51 miles
Swan 1.55 miles
Sorrel Horse 3.1 miles
Ramsholt Arms 3.8 miles
Ferry Boat Inn 4.0 miles
Plough 4.4 milesHistorical interest
To be sold by private contract that pleasant summer residence, known by the name of the Life Boat Inn, situated on the beach, in the parish of Bawdsey, at the entrance to Orford Haven. The premises being directly opposite Hollesley Bay, commanding a beautiful view of the German Ocean.Ipswich Journal, September 1815**
An unusual object was seen floundering in the shingle not far from the Lifeboat Inn, Shingle Street, and being stranded, was shot by Mr Frank Longman. On being brought ashore it was seen to be a fine seal, a rare visitor to these coasts. Ipswich Journal, Aug 1885**
Met a violent end when Royal Air Force bombers used it for target practice and destroyed it in the early days of the war…
Landlords
(Most pub, location & historic details collated by Nigel, Tony or Keith - original sources are credited)
(some old PO directory information courtesy of londonpublichouse.com)
(** information from Stuart Ansell)
(*** historic book information from Bob Mitchell)
Old OS map reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland.
