Like many other towns and cities, Norwich has long had large numbers of public houses. In the 1880s there were over 450 pubs within Norwich’s city walls. Many would have been tiny alehouses occupying little more than the downstairs room of a house. Since this time a combination of legislation, war time raids and changes in culture have led to many closing. Although many have gone, they have not been forgotten and still contribute to the City’s folklore.
This one is placed in the alley that runs along the side of this former pub
Original house stood on the opposite side of the road at
139 Barrack Street. Location was between Black Boys Yard and Seven Stars Yard, with the NEW BREWERY between it and Black Boys Yard.
The NEW BREWERY was offered for sale by auction Tuesday 8th July 1845. The adjoining Public House, in occupation of Robert Bulmer also included in same lot. ( Closest known licensed premises being the SPORTSMAN )
At the 1898 Licensing Sessions ( 22nd August ) the police advised that they had considerable difficulty in supervising the house. The problem was described that as well as the main front door, there were two back doors, one of which opened into a passage, and the other into a yard. From the so called ground floor cellar there was a door that led to a passage bounded by two walls, at the end of which was a further 6 foot high wall - `An active man could easily get over the impediment, and no doubt several had'.
Eastern Daily Press 18 March 1899
NORWICH PUBLICAN IN COURT
SUNDAY BEER
At the Norwich police court on Thursday, Samuel Brown of the Sportsman public house, Barrack Street, was summoned for having his house open for the sale of intoxicants at 12.18 on Sunday last, during prohibited hours.
Mr. Reeve defended.
Police constable Hook said at about 18 minutes past 12 on Sunday in company with another constable, he visited the defendants house. In the back yard he saw 3 men, one of whom had a glass of ale in his hand. The window was open and the landlord stood near the window. As soon as the witness entered the yard the defendant went away, but he came back, and witness asked how he accounted for these men being on his premises. the defendant thought it was 12.30, his clock must have been fast. Witness asked for names and the addresses of the 3 men. They gave them but two proved to be false.
Cross examined - When witness entered the defendants front room the defendants clock pointed to 12.29. There was no concealment about the men who were drinking.
Re-examined the front door was not opened, the back door was.
PC Smith corroborated.
Mr. Reeve having addressed the bench without calling witness.
The chairman said the defendant would be fined 10 shillings and 8 shillings costs. Under the circumstances the license would not be endorsed
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