Somersham Duke of Marlborough
opening hours
- Mon-Tue: closed
- Wed-Fri: 1600-2300
- Sat-Sun: 1200-2230
regular cask ales
- Adnams --varies-- [G]
- Earl Soham Victoria Bitter [G]
guest beers
This pub serves 2 guest ales.
listed building grade II
Local licensing authority for Somersham is Mid Suffolk
CAMRA Ipswich & East Suffolk branch.
last updated Jun 9th, 2024.
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Somersham Duke of Marlborough
formerly Marlborough Head, Marlbro' Head
North East, 52.09809,1.04134
Cask Ale is sold here.
Main Rd, IP8 4QA
grid reference TM 084 487
bar / diner, opened 15th century
owner/operator: Somersham Community Pub Limited
This 15th century inn has been restored to a good standard. The timber framed building offers several seating areas for drinking or eating.
See pub website for various events that are organised including a quiz every month and various seasonal events and themed food evenings.
THE LOCAL COMMUNITY SAVED THIS PUB AND ARE STILL OFFERING SHARES IN THEIR VENTURE. PLEASE VISIT THEIR WEBSITE AT http://www.savetheduke.net/
Facilities
Beer festivals: August BH
Beer garden or other outside drinking area
Bus stop nearby (see transport links for details)
Dogs welcome
Evening meals
Family friendly
Lunchtime meals (not just snacks)
Parking
Quiet pub - no electronic games, piped music or jukebox
Restaurant or separate dining area
Separate bar
Smoking area
Special events: see website
Traditional pub games available
WiFi available
Gallery
Nearest railway station
Needham Market: 5.2 miles (8.4km)Other nearby Suffolk pubs
Limeburners 0.74 mile
Rose & Crown 2.2 miles
Red Lion 2.8 miles
Bramford Cock 2.9 miles
Greyhound 3.0 miles
Crown 3.0 milesHistorical interest
The pub is shown on this old OS map from about 1902 (interactive map)
Owner/operator: Pubmaster
C15th village local
Beers: Whitbread Flowers IPACAMRA's 1997 Suffolk Real Ale Guide
The pub appears on both the 1904 and 1928 OS maps as "Marlbro Head".
To be sold by auction the Marlbro's Head, with stables, yard and garden adjoining, freehold and situated in Somersham.Ipswich Journal, January 1825**
At the Neadham Market Petty Sessions held in May 1875, the license for the Marlborough Head, Somersham, was transferred from Amy Norman to Robert Welham. Ipswich Journal, May 1875**
Landlords
Footnote
John Churchill (1650-1722) was the first Duke of Marlborough and became a famous soldier & statesman under James II, William III and Queen Anne - who gave him not just the title but also Blenheim Palace from a grateful nation after winning the War of Spanish Succession.
(Most pub, location & historic details collated by Nigel, Tony or Keith - original sources are credited)
(1891 census information from Dudley Diaper)
(some old PO directory information courtesy of londonpublichouse.com)
(** historic newspaper information from Stuart Ansell)
