Stonham Aspal Ten Bells
listed building grade II
Local licensing authority for Stonham Aspal is Mid Suffolk
CAMRA Ipswich & East Suffolk branch.
last updated Apr 20th, 2026.
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Stonham Aspal Ten Bells
formerly Six Bells?
South West, 52.19248,1.12095
Currently closed but expected to reopen.
Will possibly reopen in 2028 or later. See Facebook for updates.
The Street, IP14 6AF
grid reference TM 134 595
opened 16th century
The pub is shown on this old OS map from about the end of the 19th century. interactive map
This 16th century pub retains three bars. Disabled toilet. According to Alfred Hedges' book, "Inns & Inn Signs of Norfolk & Suffolk", the name refers not to the number of bells in the local church, but to "the activities of the local team of handbell ringers". Reported to be closed-up in March 2013. After some time as a shop selling meso-American trinkets, it's now residential.
In November 2024, local media reported that plans to reopen this pub, albeit with a smaller footprint, had been approved.
Owner/operator: Pubmaster
C16th pub retaining three bars. Landlord keen to promote cask ale; no keg bitter or mild.
Beers: Tetley Bitter; Whitbread Boddington's Mild, Bitter; Whitbread Castle Eden; guest beer( Pubmaster list)CAMRA's 1997 Suffolk Real Ale Guide
Facilities
Beer garden or other outside drinking area
Evening meals
Family friendly
Lunchtime meals (not just snacks)
Parking
Real fire
Separate bar
Traditional pub games available
Gallery
Nearest railway station
Needham Market: 5.2 miles (8.4km)
Legends Sports Bar 0.80 mile
Rose 1.73 miles
Highwayman 2.7 miles
Woolpack 3.4 miles
Lion 3.4 miles
Three Tuns 3.9 milesHistorical interest
James Gardiner, from the Ten Bells, Stonham Aspall, has taken the Crown at Coddenham and is opening the most pleasant and agreeable Bowling-Green.Ipswich Journal, April 21st 1759***
Died on the 2nd December 1805, Mr Tydeman, of the "Six Bells"? in Stonham.Ipswich Journal, Dec 1805**
To be sold by auction, at the Ten Bells, Stonham Aspel, all the household furniture, linen, rare old china, glass, tin and wood ware, stock in trade, working tools and other effects, of Mr Clarke Tydeman, publican and blacksmith, deceased, (by order of the Administrator); comprising 6 featherbeds and bedding, mahogany 4-post and other bedsteads and hangings, mahogany dining and other tables, parlour, kitchen, and chamber chairs; copper goods, etc., with general assortment of domestic requisites…
Landlords
(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 Stuart Ansell)
(*** historic newspaper information from Bob Mitchell)
Old OS map reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland.
