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Needham Market George
Needham Market George
also traded as Saint George, George & Dragon
North East, 52.15549,1.05007
closed 1871
opened 1550
119-121 High St
grid reference TM 087 551
A three bay house with a large chimney to the southern apex. Owned by Messrs Ridley from 1848. A fair took place near the inn on 28th & 29th October each year from 1839 and "the suspicion of strangers was lifted" leading to the pub filling with gypsies and horse dealers. Performing bears and boxing booths appeared along with various amusements including galloping horses and a big organ in George yard. The fair was abolished in 1871 by Lord Ashburnham. The pub is now used as a shop."Needham Market Pubs" by Desmond and Shelagh Herring
The pub was probably built by John Tarver in 1550. Soon after both John and wife Joan were in the Manor court for "not observing good rules in their house". In 1558 "disturbing the peace" was the charge and in 1567 "allowing lawbreakers to play and drink at improper times" was the charge.
In 1830 a Coach to Cambridge (via Stowmarket & Woolpit) called every forenoon at 11am. A coach to Ipswich called every afternoon at half past four.
Gallery
Nearby Suffolk pubs
Historical interest
The Petty sessions for Hundred of Bosmere for the hiring and retaining of servants to be held on Fri 3 Oct at the George inn in Needham Market by order of Chief Constable. A hearty welcome for all gentlemen from their humble servant Webster Adams. Dinner provided at 2 o clock.Ipswich Journal, 27 Sep 1794
William Turner, a farmer, was found not guilty of stealing a silk handkerchief, the property of Mary Pooley whose husband Joseph was innkeeper of the George Inn, Needham Market. Ipswich Journal, Jan 1850**
To be let, The George, Needham Market. Apply to John WOODWARD of that place.Ipswich Journal, 18 Mar 1848**
Landlords
(Most pub, location & historic details collated by Nigel, Tony or Keith - original sources are credited)
(information from book "Needham Market Pubs" by Desmond and Shelagh Herring)
(** historic newspaper information from Bob Mitchell)