android appIpswich Half Moon
last updated Jan 10th, 2022.
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Ipswich Half Moon
South, 52.05349,1.15611
Closed: probably not long before 1960.
opened 17th century
86 Foundation St
grid reference TM 164 441
The pub can be seen on this OS town plan from about 1880 (larger map).
This was one of Ipswich's most ancient inns; one of only 24 listed in a town assessment of 1689. It was demolished in 1960.
The Half Moon has also been listed at Lower Foundation Street and Lower Brook Street.
This was possibly once the family residence of Henry Tooley, a Portman of Ipswich who died in 1551. He left a fortune which provided alms houses in nearby Tooley Street (which are still there today). The pub's "king post" was considered remarkable with fox and geese carved upon it. This is supposed to be a satirical reference to the condition of the townspeople and the monks before the suppression of the monasteries. Wood panelling and mantelpieces were later removed to Holy Wells mansion.
Gallery
Thomas Wolsey 0.13 mile
Shamrock 0.17 mile
Plough 0.17 mile
Miami Bar 0.19 mile
Spread Eagle 0.19 mile
Briarbank 0.20 mileHistorical interest
To be lett, the Half Moon in St Matthew's Parish, Ipswich. Enquire of Mr Charles Norris, Peruke-Maker, near the Corn-Hill, Ipswich.Ipswich Journal, March 9th 1745***
Thomas Read is removed from the Sign of the George the Third in Silent Street, Ipswich to the Half Moon in St Mary Key, late in the Occupation of Mr. George Brame who has declined Business.Ipswich Journal, 29 Oct 1774***
Died on the 23 May 1825, aged 75, Mr Edward Cook sen., of the Half Moon Inn, St Mary Key, Ipswich.Ipswich Journal, May 1825**
Thursday died, aged 69, Mrs Cook, relict of Mr Cook, of the Half moon Inn, Ipswich.Ipswich Journal, May 1830**
Half Moon Inn, Saint Mary Quay, Ipswich, to be let, in the occupation of Widow COOK, deceased…
Landlords
(Most pub, location & historic details collated by Nigel, Tony or Keith - original sources are credited)
(census information from Dudley Diaper)
(detailed information from Old inns of Suffolk by Leonard P Thompson)
(some old PO directory information courtesy of londonpublichouse.com)
(** historic newspaper information from Bob Mitchell)
(*** historic newspaper information from Stuart Ansell)
Old OS map reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland.
