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Ipswich Swan & Hedgehog
Ipswich Swan & Hedgehog
formerly White Swan, Swan
North East, 52.05725,1.15215
Real Ale is sold here.
3-7 King St, IP1 1EG
grid reference TM 161 445
bar / diner, opened 15th century, maybe older
owner/operator: Stonegate (formerly Ei Group)
A lively town-centre pub based around a central bar.
Since September 2019 it has been run by the same management team as that of the Framlingham Castle Inn.
The date on the wall, 1707, is believed to be when major alterations were made to the pub (possibly undertaken to reduce the first floor overhang). The building itself probably originates from the previous century or earlier. It's one of the town's most ancient inns; one of only 24 to appear on a town assessment of 1689. The building exterior is a Grade 2 listed.
Facilities
Beer garden or other outside drinking area
Beer served through handpumps
Bus stop nearby (see transport links for details)
Live music
Lunchtime meals (not just snacks)
Traditional pub games available
Railway station about 0.6 miles away (see transport links for details)
Gallery
Nearest railway station
Historical interest
The Swan is shown on this OS town plan from about 1880 (larger map).
One of the oldest inns in town. A perpetual fine of £2 per annum has been imposed on the house since 1664 when the landlord, John Parker gave the money to the parish poor to buy coals on St Thomas day.
James Alderton at the White Swan in Ipswich.Ipswich Journal, 7 March 1741***
Charles Lovechild, many years Journeyman to Mr Wm. Craighton, has taken the White Swan Inn, near the Corn-Hill, Ipswich, late in the Occupation of Mr James Alderton.Ipswich Journal, 4 Oct 1755***
To be sold, a good accustom'd Inn, known by the Sign of the White Swan, near the Market-Place in Ipswich, being Freehold. Enquire of Mr. John Graystone or Mr…
Landlords
(Most pub, location & historic details collated by Nigel, Tony or Keith - original sources are credited)
(detailed information from Old inns of Suffolk by Leonard P Thompson)
(** historic newspaper information from Stuart Ansell)
(*** historic newspaper information from Bob Mitchell)
