android appIpswich Tankard Inn
last updated Jan 24th, 2022.
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Ipswich Tankard Inn
also traded as Theatre Tavern
South, 52.05592,1.15724
closed 20th September 1961
opened 1736 (rebuilt 1802)
last owner/operator: cobbold
13 Tacket St
grid reference TM 165 444
The pub is shown on this OS town plan from about 1880 (larger map).
This street appears to have been renumbered at times to take account of the many demolitions and realignments along the north side.
Originally built as a private residence and was once the home of Sir Humphrey Wingfield MP (circa 1481-1545). Converted into an inn about 1736. Some of the original fixtures (including a fireplace mantle and oak panelling) were removed during subsequent refurbishments and can still be seen today on display in Christchurch mansion.
Extensively rebuilt after a serious fire in 1843 and afterwards called the Theatre tavern, as the Theatre Royal stood alongside. The pub was still listed in local trade directories as the Theatre bar in 1865, 1869 and 1874. Eventually the theatre was replaced by a Salvation army citadel (also since demolished).
By 1880s had reverted to being called the Tankard.
During the Second World War, the Tankard was designated for white GIs under US Jim Crow rules, their black compatriots having the Bluecoat Boy.
The license was surrendered in 1961.
Both the Tankard and adjacent citadel were demolished to allow the road to be widened in the late 1980s.
Gallery
Shamrock 0.05 mile
Plough 0.09 mile
Cock & Pye 0.10 mile
Spread Eagle 0.11 mile
Salutation 0.13 mile
Miami Bar 0.15 mileHistorical interest
Daniel Smith, Painter, is moving to the Tankard in Tankard Street where he continues his Painting Business as usual.Ipswich Journal, 17 Dec 1736***
To be lett, the Tankard Inn in Tankard-Street, Ipswich. Enquire of Mr Henry Betts at the Globe, in Ipswich.Ipswich Journal, 27 Aug 1743***
To be lett, the Tankard in Tankard-Street, Ipswich, adjoining to the Playhouse, being a commodious and well accustom'd Inn, with a new French Billiard Table. Enquire of Mr Henry Betts, Common Brewer, Ipswich.Ipswich Journal, 1 Aug 1747***
To be lett, an ancient and well accustom'd House, the Tankard, in Ipswich. Enquire of Mr Henry Betts in Ipswich.Ipswich Journal, 16 Jul 1748***
To be lett, the Tankard, in Tankard Street, Ipswich. Enquire of Henry Betts, Brewer, in Ipswich…
Landlords
(Most pub, location & historic details collated by Nigel, Tony or Keith - original sources are credited)
Closure date from Ipswich licensing records.
(census information from Dudley Diaper)
(old PO directory information courtesy of londonpublichouse.com)
(** historic newspaper information from Stuart Ansell)
(*** historic newspaper information from Bob Mitchell)
(**** Proceedings of the Suffolk Institute of Archaeology and Natural History)
Old OS map reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland.
