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Stratford St Mary Black Horse
Stratford St Mary Black Horse
also traded as Golden Barrels
West, 51.96558,0.97216
Closed: about 2023
Future uncertain
opened 18th century
Lower St, CO7 6JS
grid reference TM 042 338
The pub is shown on this old OS map from about 1902 (interactive map)
An old drovers' inn, right on the edge of the village, which retains two bars.
There is a toilet for disabled customers.
When this tiny road was the main route from London to Ipswich this would have been the first or last Suffolk pub seen along the old turnpike. Although the building dates from earlier, it was still a private house at least as late as 1619
For many years a tollbooth also stood close to the bridge over the river. Today only the constant drone of traffic can be heard from the nearby village by-pass.
For a short while about 2008, the pub ran as "The Golden Barrels", a bikers' pub which caused a great deal of upset within the village. There was great relief when it returned to its normal situation.
Gallery
Historical interest
Owner/operator: Pubmaster
Small homely C15th country pub, at one time an old drovers inn. Contrasting lively bar and sedate lounge. Camping site in grounds..
Beers: Ind Coope Burton Ale; Tetley Bitter; Whitbread Flowers IPACAMRA's 1997 Suffolk Real Ale Guide
Doctor Sallis, late servant to William Mannock Esq. has taken the Black Horse Inn in Stratford (St Mary).Ipswich Journal, October 26th 1754***
Notice is given that Rob. Baines, Gent. Lord of the Manor of Veyzeys in Stratford (St Mary) has appointed Hen. Love, at the Black Horse in Stratford, his Gamekeeper.Ipswich Journal, June 30th 1764***
John Squorrell, at the Black Horse, Stratford, intends to carry on the Coach-Making Business in all it's various branches, late in the occupation of Wm…
Landlords
(Most pub, location & historic details collated by Nigel, Tony or Keith - original sources are credited)
(some old PO directory information courtesy of the londonpublichouse.com website)
(** 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.