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Lavenham Black Lion
Lavenham Black Lion
also traded as Lion
Closed about 1925
opened pre-1783
10-12 High St
grid reference TL 915 492
Several buildings of varying ages were joined together when the inn opened. Some parts date as far back as the 15th century.
In 1830 a carrier to London called James Ablitt from Sudbury called at the pub every Tuesday & Thursday.
A Victorian brewery once operated here.
This was one of the last pubs in Britain to organise bull-baiting; William Matthiam and others being prosecuted for this in 1842. The Sudbury Post** reported:…
Gallery
Other nearby Suffolk pubs
Historical interest
To be sold, the Messuage or Tenement called the Black Lion in Lavenham, with the buildings and a piece of pasture ground, (an acre) all in the occupation of James Mills. Inquire of Michael Mortlock of Hawstead.Ipswich Journal, 4th Mar 1780***
Lavenham – the annual shew of horses will be held at the usual place on Shrove Tuesday Fed 12 when the favours of all gentlemen, horse dealers and others will be gratefully acknowledged by their humble servants: including James Raynham at Black LionIpswich Journal, 2 Feb 1782
This is to give notice that the annual shew of horses and colts will be held as usual at the Swan in Lavenham on Shrove Tuesday the 24th inst. Where a good ordinary will be provided at 1 o clock and also at the Black Lion and Angel…
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)
(** report reproduced with kind permission from Foxearth & District Local History Society)
(*** historic newspaper information from Bob Mitchell)
Old OS map reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland.
