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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).
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.
Gallery
Historical interest
A report in the Ipswich Journal, June 3rd in 1837**, stated that Robert Koipe COBBOLD of the Eye Brewery was retiring from business & was looking to sell various Inns & Public Houses including the Eight Bells, Debenham.
To be let, The Eight Bells Inn, Debenham - Enquire of Mr D SMITH, Farmer, Framsden, Suffolk.Ipswich Journal, May 27th 1854**
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.
