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Sudbury Spread Eagle
Sudbury Spread Eagle
South East, 52.03738,0.72268
Closed: about 2001
opened 14th century
89 Cross St
grid reference TL 868 411
The license for Bull hotel (Church st.) was transferred to the Spread Eagle in 1959 (see article in Feb 11 1959 EADT). Before this time the pub may have only had a beer house license.
This pub was listed in the local CAMRA pub guide in 1997, but had gone when our photographer tried to find it in 2006. A planning request to convert the pub to residential use was lodged in July 2001, so it probably closed about that time.
Owner/operator: Greene King
Reputedly haunted pub, part dating from the C14th. Still retains some lovely etched glass windows. Petanque played in the garden which overlooks the mill stream.
Beers: Greene King XX Mild, IPA, AbbotCAMRA's 1997 Suffolk Real Ale Guide
Gallery
Historical interest
James Amey, the keeper of the Spread Eagle beer-house, was charged with opening his house for the sale of beer during prohibited hours on a Sunday. The case was fully heard, witnesses called, and with conflicting evidence the Magistrates dismissed the case. Ipswich Journal, Jan 1855**
It's also listed at 88 Cross Street. The 1911 census lists James Amey as a retired innkeeper at 88 Cross Street with the pub at 89.
Offered for sale at auction, Lot 2, the Spread Eagle beer house, in Church Street, Sudbury, and sold to Mr Boutell, of Wethersfield, for £1050.Ipswich Journal, September 1880**
In 1937 the pub was listed in Kelly's Directory as one of 220 pubs that were retailing beer that they were brewing.
Landlords
Footnote
The spread eagle was originally a Roman sign and later used by many countries including Austria, Germany, Russia, Spain & France. The sign is also used by many English noble families. Its popularity as an inn sign owes a lot to the fact that it was the device of Catherine of Aragon.
(Most pub, location & historic details collated by Nigel, Tony or Keith - original sources are credited)
(** information from Stuart Ansell)