The Bell, Norwich

Believed to date from 1480.

Given as the BLUEBELL 1743 to 1822.

 

An advertisement dated 1725 reads:-

``There will be a great cock match at the Blue Bell at Hog Hill to show 31 cocks a side. For 2 guineas a cock and 20 guineas for the odd battle. Gentlemen will be accommodated with a glass of excellent wine and care will be taken to prevent disturbance by the Mob. ''

23rd November 1804 : Charlotte Parslee offered a Reward of Five Guineas to any person who successfully reported the offender or offenders, responsible for stealing a Mahogany Trunk from an upper room of the BELL INN on the evening of Sunday 18th November 1804. The Trunk contained a black silk spencer (?), a black silk cloak, trimmed with crape, a black shawl of Norwich manufacture, a square Japan muslin shawl and a black silk bonnet.

All had been recovered having been found in the stables of the LAMB INN.

 

5th January 1850 - Mr. F. H. Spanton, late of the KINGS ARMS INN, Timberhill, advised his Friends and the Public in general that he had taken the BELL INN with a determination to merit their continued support.

Burton Ales being on draught and Post Horses available to all parts of the Kingdom.......

 

The Directors of the Eastern Counties Railway appointed Mr. Spanton to provide Omnibuses, Cabs, &c. for conveying Passengers to and from the Stations - November 1851.

On the same date, the Proprietors of the NORFOLK HOTEL and the ROYAL HOTEL informed that, notwithstanding recent arrangements made by the Eastern Counties Railway Company, they would continue to convey passengers at the usual fares. They also stated that although they would no longer be able to stand in the Station Yard, they would await outside the Station Gates and convey to any part of the City, Free of Charge.

 

A fire broke out at 10:00 pm on Tuesday 26th April 1853 in a third storey room used by servants. So fierce was the fire that the room could not be entered, but a hose, fed from a hydrant near Red Lion Street, delivered a plentiful and continuous supply of water through the window. Fires also broke out in adjoining rooms and the bedroom below. The main fire was subdued in about ten minutes and the other fires were swiftly extinguished. There was substantial damage but Mr. Spanton was insured with the Sun office.

 

Mr. Spanton said that, owing to the respectability of the friends of Alfred Baker, errand boy at the Bell, he had no desire to prosecute the lad for having stolen ten shillings and a pistol from him and six shillings from the ostler.

The boy was reprimanded and discharged at the hearing held Saturday 14th May 1853.

Members of the Norwich Glee Club met here Tuesday 11th September 1855 and were reminded of the glorious achievements in the Crimea and the toast `The fall of Sebastopol' was given. Following three hearty cheers, Mr. Love sang `Once more old England's warriors.'

 

The Glee Club met here on the evening of Wednesday 13th October 1858. Glees included "Here in cool grot," "Look on the bright side of life" and "The brave old Teneraire." The Band performed the overture to Figaro and the Excursion Gallop with great spirit and precision.

 

In 1858 John Murnane, proprietor, advertised `The most central and cheapest family and commercial hotel in Norwich'

 

Used as headquarters and billets for the American Women's Army Corps from 1943 to 1945.

 

Reginald Charles Thomas Smith was manager of the premises in September 1943 when accusations were made that black-out curtains in the stock room were not drawn properly and allowing light to show.

The case was dismissed Saturday 11th September 1943.

 

Closed in 1960's to mid 1970's

 

Reopened as a freehouse c1976.

Closed 13.10.1989.

 

Reopened 1994 as the first J. D. Weatherspoons operation in Norwich.

 

Part of the building now used as a Building Society.

 

Done