android appIpswich Freemasons' Tavern
last updated Aug 16th, 2021.
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Ipswich Freemasons' Tavern
also traded as Masons
South West, 52.06075,1.13956
Closed: mid-2016
77-79 Victoria St, IP1 2LS
grid reference TM 153 449
It's shown (though not named) on this old OS map from about the end of the 19th century. interactive map
A genuine back-street local which could be hard to find. Historically the Freemasons', it traded in later years as just the "Masons".
Closed and boarded up as of June 2016. On July 17th the building was severely damaged by a fire. In February 2018, a planning application was lodged to demolish the building and replace it with flats, however when visited in May 2021 it was found to have been renovated and converted into a house.
Owner/operator: Greene King
One of Ipswich's few remaining genuine back-street locals. Can be hard to find.
Beers: Greene King IPA, Abbot.CAMRA's 1997 Suffolk Real Ale Guide
Gallery
Mermaid 0.24 mile
Brewers Arms 0.26 mile
St Jude's Brewery Tavern 0.31 mile
Black Horse 0.49 mile
Arbor House 0.49 mile
Earl Kitchener 0.51 mileHistorical interest
On the 7th October 1855, the members of the Freemason's Tavern Bowling Green, Ipswich, assembled at 2pm for a closing game, and after some interesting play about 30 members sat down to an excellent dinner, provided in the usual liberal style of Mr J Pryke, landlord.Ipswich Journal, October 1855**
Freemasons Arms and bowling green, gardens and brewery – Ipswich – to be sold by auction Ipswich Journal, 18 May 1861
Listed as Freemasons Tavern & Rotherville gardens in 1865.
To be sold by auction, under the Deed of Assignment, on the premises of Mr R C Dunnington, at the Freemason's Tavern, Victoria Street, Ipswich, all the valuable and complete two quarter brewing plant, with all the stock of wine and spirits, cask, stands, truck, utensils, and all the household furniture, and effects…
Landlords
Footnote
The Freemasons are a secretive male orientated fraternity or organisation that is usually divided into local groups - called "lodges" - and which today may seek to promote mutual self interest and some charity work. A pub with this name may signify a link (or former link) to a local lodge.
(Most pub, location & historic details collated by Nigel, Tony or Keith - original sources are credited)
(** historic newspaper information from Stuart Ansell)
(*** historic newspaper information from Bob Mitchell)
Old OS map reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland.
