Debenham Eight Bells

Debenham Eight Bells

also traded as Bells

North East, 52.22266,1.18285

closed 1911

72 High St

grid reference TM 174 630

It's shown on this old OS map from 1884 (interactive map).

old OS map

The book "Samuel Dove's Debenham", places the Eight Bells at number 56 High Street. However, the 1885 OS map clearly shows it further south at number 72, where Dove has the Ten Bells. Unless the OS map is incorrect, it seems Dove has the two reversed.

There is some doubt about the extent of the pub. The OS map seems to show the whole building in our latest photo as the pub, though there are suggestions it may only have been the pink-painted section to the right.

The pub is said to have closed in 1911 after a fire destroyed the building, though the building at this location is apparently the original (the Listed Buildings Register states that it dates from the 16th century), so perhaps this story refers to another pub? (Evidently not the Ten Bells either, as that original building is still extant).

Should not be confused with Bells Inn - although this was also called Bells inn on some occasions.

Map

map

Gallery

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Historical interest

Historical interest

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Landlords

Landlords

(Most pub, location & historic details collated by Nigel, Tony or Keith - original sources are credited)

(** historic newspaper information from Bob Mitchell)

Old OS map reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland.

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