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Beccles Cross Keys
Beccles Cross Keys
North East, 52.45598,1.56366
Closed: between 1965 and 1974
opened 1730 or earlier
22 Hungate
grid reference TM 422 901
It's shown (but not named) on this OS town plan of 1884.
This building seems to be a rebuild of the pub, which is listed as far back as 1730, as it was described as "newly erected" at a sale in 1855.
It's still listed in licensing records as late as 1965; other records suggest it had closed by 1974, so it seems likely to have closed between those years.
The address we list is from the 1909 rates records.
Gallery
Historical interest
To be lett, the Cross Keys in Beccles, being an old accustom'd Publick-House, situate on the London Road.Ipswich Journal, May 7th 1757***
To be sold, the Cross Keys in Beccles. Enquire of John Farr in Beccles.Ipswich Journal, May 21st 1757***
To be lett, the Cross Keys, Beccles, with or without a Piece of pasture Land adjoining. Enquire of Mr John Farr, junior of Beccles.Ipswich Journal, April 28th 1759***
The annual Beccles Market Tea Party was held at the Cross Keys Inn, where numerous farmers and tradesmen of the town sat down for their meal. At the end of the evening a vote of thanks was passed unanimously to Mr and Mrs Catchpool for the bounteous provision made, and courteous treatment exhibited by the worthy host and hostess…
Landlords
(Most pub, location & historic details collated by Nigel, Tony or Keith - original sources credited)
Some information from records transcribed by Foxearth & District Local History Society.
(some old PO directory information courtesy of londonpublichouse.com)
(** historic newspaper information from Stuart Ansell)