The building dates from the 18th century.

It's listed in the 1910 Rate book as "Old Ship". Whether this means it was called the Old Ship or because by then it had closed is uncertain. It can be seen on OS maps at least as late as 1901 (when it's just marked as an un-named inn), so evidently closed after that. It hasn't been found on any later maps, though as these also fail to show the Crown, this doesn't help us identify a closure date.

1957 has been quoted as the closure date in local media, though the provenance of that is unknown.

The building was put up for auction in February 2024 and described as a "Former public house in prominent position on the edge of Oulton Broad. The building is derelict and is need of complete restoration." Photographs on the auctioneers' website allowed us to finally identify the precise part of the terrace which was the pub.