grid reference TM 157 448
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CAMRA Ipswich & East Suffolk branch.
last updated 25/01/2020
Ipswich Half Moon & Star
also traded as as: Half Moon, Half Moon & Stars
historical closure era: late 20th centuryclosed 1985
70-72 St Matthew's St
A grade 2 listed building, that is now is owned by the Ipswich Building Preservation trust and was converted for residential use in 1997 after being derelict for some time.
The building dates from the 18th century, with 19th century alterations. It may have replaced an even earlier building; The Half Moon & Stars was listed in a church rate book early in the 17th century and it's reported that brewing took place here "up to the reign of James I".
One of several pubs in the town that used to host cock-fighting in eighteenth and early nineteenth century. This bloody spectacle could last several hours and was eventually banned in 1835. A one time it was particularly popular as a form of gambling and bouts were often held during festival days and during the Ipswich horse racing week.
The pub is shown (though not named) on this old OS map from about the end of the 19th century. larger map
(Most pub, location & historic details collated by Nigel, Tony or Keith - original sources are credited)
(some old PO directory information courtesy of londonpublichouse.com)
(*** historic newspaper information from Bob Mitchell)
Old OS map reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland.