Captain Tom Moore

The Captain Tom image that appeared on the wall in Angel Street to honour the memory this great man

Captain Sir Thomas Moore (30 April 1920 – 2 February 2021), more popularly known as Captain Tom, was a British Army officer who raised money for charity in the run-up to his 100th birthday during the COVID-19 pandemic. He served in India and the Burma campaign during the Second World War, and later became an instructor in armoured warfare. After the war, he worked as managing director of a concrete company and was an avid motorcycle racer.

On 6 April 2020, at the age of 99, Moore began to walk one hundred lengths of his garden in aid of NHS Charities Together, with the goal of raising £1,000 by his 100th birthday. In the 24-day course of his fundraising, he made many media appearances and became a popular household name in the UK, earning a number of accolades and attracting over 1.5 million individual donations. In recognition of his efforts, he received the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Helen Rollason Award at the 2020 ceremony. He performed in a cover version of the song "You'll Never Walk Alone" sung by Michael Ball, with proceeds going to the same charity. The single topped the UK music charts, making him the oldest person to achieve a UK number one.

On the morning of Moore's hundredth birthday, the total raised by his walk passed £30 million, and by the time the campaign closed at the end of that day had increased to over £32.79 million (worth almost £39 million with expected tax rebates). His birthday was marked in a number of ways, including flypasts by the Royal Air Force and the British Army. He received over 150,000 cards, and was appointed as honorary colonel of the Army Foundation College. On 17 July 2020, he was personally knighted by the Queen at Windsor Castle. He died on 2 February 2021 at Bedford Hospital where he was taken after being treated for pneumonia and then testing positive for COVID-19.

A true inspiration.

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Hadleigh, George Street - Listed buildings

George Street is a lovely reasonably quiet road with lots of old properties in it. So, looking at some listed properties here, I am starting with number 3-5 which was probable a public house in times past.

It`s a C15-C16 2 storey timber framed and plastered building. The upper storey projects at the front with massive close-set joists. Although it is now part of Partridges store, it was the Moulders Arms. Apparently, it was given its name referring to the iron foundry once located behind the building.

Crossing Magdalene Street, you arrive in George Street proper, I like to think.  This property is no.15 and is a C17 property which has been altered, fittingly called Tudor Gables. 

Next door to Tudor Gables is this lovely building called The Old House which was previously listed as no19 and 20. It is probably C17, and is a two storey timber-framed and plastered structure with a cross wing at the east end with the upper storey projecting on curved brackets. The main block has a ground floor only and attic dormers. I took a photograph (below) in 2010, of the front door with the small side windows and rather pretty hanging baskets.

Front door of The Old House

Then we come to this cute cottage squeezed between The Old House and  Thelwyn House. It is called Chip Cottage, which seems rather appropriate I think! Its probably of C18 origin.

Then for something completely different - a thatched cottage. This is unusual in Hadleigh, this being the only one. Its date is on the side wall, as seen above. Generaly noted as No 42, it is sometimes listed as 40 and 42.

This one is The Cock Inn, dated C18, and is a two storey timber framed and plastered building with tiled roof. It has four gabled dormers on the front, the most easterly one having a date in the gable of 1722. It has a one storey extension north at west end. The wrought iron bracket to the inn sign is probable C18.

The Georgian East House has two large wings on the south largely rebuilt or refaced in C19 red brick and for a number years had been used for varied activities including a community center. In March 2013, plans by Babergh District Council to redevelop the site and build houses on the land behind were withdrawn after strong local protest. Opponents of the plan had argued that the adjacent land had been used as a village green for the previous 20 years. In 2018, the building was renovated into two private homes: East House and West Lodge by period property restorers Richard Abel and Ruth McCabe-Abel. The couple were awarded the Noel Turner Award by the Hadleigh Society in 2019 for their sympathetic restoration of East House and West Lodge.

The Row Chapel of the Blessed Mary Magdalene and Saint Catherine - to give it its full title. This chapel is a mid-15th century timber-framed building that, since 1497, has served as the chapel to the Pykenham Almshouses. In 1887, the almshouses were rebuilt in brick and three years later the chapel was restored. Hadleigh Grand Feoffment Charity administer this site in trust for the town. 

I have not been inside but hope to in the future. The current pandemic rules that out at the moment I am afraid.

No. 48 George Street

A medieval hall-house with a cross-wing to the south and two storey C19 addition to the north in the place of the north service wing. It is a house of C14 or C15 date, remodelled in the C16, C17 and C18; converted into four tenements in the C19 and restored to one dwelling in the early C21. Quite a history!

The earliest phase of building appears to date to between 1380 and 1420 and comprised an open hall with a parlour crosswing to the west. The service end to the east, possibly also in a crosswing, has been lost to C19 remodelling. Between c 1560 and 1590, the building was significantly reconfigured. The front and rear were faced with brick, and projecting gables with multi-light mullion windows added. At the same time, the orientation of the building changed. The main stack, stair tower and porch were added to the street frontage and the principal façade switched to the rear, opening onto a private garden. The hall was ceiled over and the upper chambers of hall and parlour were panelled. On the ground floor, the hall had painted decoration to the walls. In the mid C17, a further painting scheme was applied to the ground floor walls of the hall, and a decorative plaster vine-scroll motif embellished the cornices and bridging beams of the upper hall.

Around 1700, an external chimney stack was added to the west gable end. By the late C18, the former parlour had been divided into two and some panelling removed. An outshut was added to the west end to accommodate a winder stair. In the C19, the building was poorly sub-divided into 4 dwellings, with an additional wing added to the east on the site of the service range and an outshot added to the George Street elevation. During this period, casement windows were inserted into the rear elevation and the late-C16 principal door removed. Many of the windows on the George Street frontage were blocked. The rear stair went out of use in the C20.

The earliest documentary reference to the hall dates to 1661, when the building was known as Thorpes, perhaps after an owner of the property. It is known that in 1814, the Wesleyan Methodists purchased the building, leasing it to the Primitive Methodists (known as Ranters) in 1836. A map of that date shows the building sub-divided into three; it seems that the parlour crosswing was used as a chapel at the time. In 1846, the land to the east was purchased for a chapel which was constructed in 1848 and enlarged in 1875. The building has been restored. The C19 internal partitions have been removed and the C16 plan-form reinstated. The panelling and decorative plasterwork in the upper floor have been cleaned, conserved and remain in situ. The C17 and earlier paint schemes on the ground floor have been recorded and covered over to ensure their continued preservation, but are no longer on view.

No 22-26 George Street

This C15-C16 property is a two storey building which is timber framed and plastered. It has cross wings on the east and west ends, the east one having a  projecting upper storey in the front, sitting on curved brackets with moulded capitals and shafts. The west cross wing was the same but has been underbuilt in front.

The old Dairy, No.111 George Street

Another rather grand C15 hall house, which is a two storey, timber framed and plastered building. It has a contemporary cross wing at the west end with the upper storey projecting on curved brackets on the front and a hipped gable. The ground floor front of the cross wing is faced in brick and flint rubble, with the ground floor main block faced in brick. It has a large exterior chimney and an east side cross wing as well. It is called the old Dairy but as yet I have found no information about it.

There a numbers of other listed buildings in the street but this is a sample of what I considered, the most interesting ones.

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Snow and Cold from the East!

This Beast from the East – a phrase recently used to describe wintry conditions in the UK caused by easterly winds from the near continent – is a result of cold air from Scandinavia and Russia combined with an active storm front (named Storm Darcy by the Dutch meteorological office). The best remembered Beast from the East hit Britain at the end of February 2018, bringing with it 10 days of heavy snow. This one though does not compare with the 2018 one in severity or length it persisted. However, a winter walk was require to capture the occasion.

View from the front door in the morning

Swans and Canada Geese awaiting breakfast

Drifts on the roadside as we went for our walk

More piles of snow on the bank plus a close up of the wonderful texture

Clumps of snow on the hedges and fences

The approach to Overbury Hall

Icicles abound along the roof of this cottage

Izobelle making a "Snow angel"

Later, sitting in the snow seats for a warm cuppa!

What about this for a giant icicle on our guttering

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The lost Pubs, Inns and Taverns of Hadleigh

Having been photographing some of the many Listed buildings in Hadleigh, I was surprised at the number of inns, taverns, pubs etc which have been in the town over the years. Then I came across a site called `The Lost Pubs of Hadleigh` and was taken by the idea of photographing all that I could find; bearing in mind that some have been demolished and some are noted, but there is no certainty as to where they actually were situated. There are 21 in total that are listed here, but I understand that there are others of more uncertain nature which may have been inns or pubs.

However, here is my effort, starting with what to me was a big surprise! - the ex Council Offices.

The Anchor - Bridge Street

This pub / beer house managed to go through a few names in its time: 

Between 1661 & 1835 it was called the Standard**

Between 1837 & 1871 it was called the Barley Mow**

Between 1871 & 1927 it was called the Anchor**

One landlady was named as Elisabeth Scrivener, and is recorded at the Barley Mow, in another pub located in Benton Street in 1844 (later called the Falcon) but by 1855 she is recorded here, when this beer house was also called the Barley Mow. It was rebuilt by 1892, when it was recorded as the Anchor.

In more modern times, we have all known it as part of the Council Offices.

The Alma - 43 High Street.

Owners Daniels brewery offered this license to be surrendered in 1897 so that Three Tuns could be opened seven days a week. The Three Tuns is further along the High Street but on the opposite side of the road. I was a bit surprised that a pub was allowed to open every day in Victorian times.

Comparing modern and old maps, it seems the original building has been demolished and the building on site now is more modern. I thought this didn`t look like a pub!

The Black Swan - 4 Benton Street

The current building possibly dates from 1839, but replaced an earlier one on the same site that dates back to the early 17th century. The pub was called the Swan before 1870. The Black Swan is shown on the 1958 OS map but seems to have gone by the 1968 and subsequent maps, so presumably closed between those dates. It is now residential.

By 1924 it was owned by Cobbold's Brewery (but had been sold by them by 1961).

Just as an aside - in 1836 John Clark (landlord of the Swan) was reported in the Ipswich Journal as being arrested for receiving a stolen horse.

The Falcon - 63 Benton Street

The Falcon was called the Barley Mow until about 1844. Reputedly the name changed at about the time that the pub was purchased by Falcon Brewery (of Ipswich), who liked to call most of their pubs by that name. Not to be confused with Barley Mow listed in Bridge St (later the Anchor).

It is now residential and was closed as a pub around 1990 - 1991.

The Fishmongers Arms - 70 Benton Street

Although several sites say that this was a pub, I could find no information about it, apart from old maps having it marked. No dates, nothing! 

However, I then stumbled on a local history site, which gave me a quote from an elderly gentleman, dated 2002: "I remember a lot of pubs - long since closed down, like the Fishmonger’s Arms in Benton where you could also win a basket of freshly caught fish, by spinning an arrow on a wheel for the lucky number."

Flying Chariot - 92 Benton Street

This building is recorded as a former inn in the Listed Buildings Register. It's shown on OS maps as early as 1885 as "Flying Chariot", but not marked as a pub (by contrast, the nearby King's Arms is clearly marked as an inn), so may have closed before that date.

The building dates from the 16th century, but most features are from the 17th. It's one of the most beautifully pargetted buildings in the town.

Kings Arms - Benton Street

The building is now residential and dates mainly from the 16th and 17th centuries. A local nickname of the pub was the "Monkey", and it closed in 1993. 

"John Whisley Ayers, auctioneer and appraiser, begs publicly to announce his most grateful thanks to his friends and customers for their unbounded liberality since his commencement in the business of the King's Arms Inn, Hadleigh, and confidently assures them, nothing on his part shall be wanting to make them comfortable, and ensure a continuance of their future favours, also informs them that he has laid in a good stock of fine old wines, spirits, cordials, cyder, porter, and old beer, which he is determined to sell on the lowest terms. Note! Housekeepers may be supplied with fine old porter, by sending their casks."

Ipswich Journal, June 1815

Moulders Arms - George Street

There is some doubt about the exact position of this one, as on a late Victorian census it is listed as next door to the Kings Head in the High Street. So, did it move? Although the two buildings are very close to each other, they are not side by side.

So, although this might not be the original building, there certainly was a pub of that name nearby, if not actually here. As for its name? It was given its name referring to the iron foundry once located behind the building.

Shoulder of Mutton - 124a High Street

Interestingly in1805 a lady called Mary Aldridge was the landlord. The pub closed in the 1950s.

"The annual show of lambs will be held at the Shoulder of Mutton Inn, Hadleigh, on the 19 August 1805; when the company of gentlemen breeders, graziers, deniers in lambs, and the public in general, will be esteemed a favour, by their humble servant, Mary Aldridge. A good ordinary will be provided at 2pm."

Ipswich Journal, Aug 1805

The Three Tuns - 106 High Street

This pub closed in 1911 and is now in residential use. It used to brew its own beer; the well used for this still remains and is under a covenant on the house that it cannot be altered.

The Wheatsheaf - 4 High Street

"At the Hadleigh Petty Sessions in March 1875, an extension in time of one hour was granted to Mr Edward Wilson, the landlord of the Wheatsheaf, Hadleigh, the occasion being the anniversary dinner of the Oddfellows’ Lodge."

Ipswich Journal, March 1875

Closed in 1995, this is now an office of a Financial Advisor, although it has been a B&B in recent years.

The White Horse - Stone Street

It was hit by a German bomb during an air raid about June 1940 - but evidently wasn't badly damaged as the pub continued trading.

In 1956 permission was granted to erect petrol pumps on this site when part of the business also then traded as a "Regent" garage.

Closed as the White Horse in 2002 it was subsequently used as an antiques shop and private residence. In July 2012 the pub reverted to its original name after a few years trading as the Donkey (its long time nickname).

After opening and closing a few times, it closed again for the last time early in 2013. The building was converted into a carpet showroom, which itself has since closed.

The White Lion Hotel - High Street

A former Commercial Inn & Posting House, now converted into a number of flats. The building retains many original features both at the front and in a small enclosed central courtyard. Sadly a fire in 2011 damaged part of building to the rear of the property.

A Survey of Suffolk Parish History tells us that there a records of a bowling green opening at the White Lion in 1754, so we can be sure the inn was extant prior to that. Although the façade only dates from the 18th century, the Listed Buildings Register says that the building probably dates from the 16th or 17th century.

"Robert Beales (late waiter at the White Hart in Colchester) begs leave to inform the public that he has taken and entered the White Lion at Hadleigh and has laid in an entire fresh stock of wine and liquors etc"

Ipswich Journal, 2 Feb 1782

Queens Head - 149 Angel Street

This old Coaching Inn was closed about 1750 - probable. The date 1713 and initials "TTM" appear on the front wall. It's recorded that there used to be a malthouse at the rear and TTM stood for "Thomas Thrower Maltings".

It isn't marked as an inn on any available OS map (at least as early as 1885) so must have closed a long time ago, 1750 being the best approximation.

The Pickerel

No, this is not an error! The Threadneedle Street side of the current Eight Bells was once The Pickerel, which closed before 1840. A similar situation to the one below.

The Angel in Angel Street.

The Angel is known to date back to at least 1474. It has now been incorporated into the King's Head. It closed before 1840.

The Star - 20 Angel Street

The Star, or Ship and Star is a pub that was associated with an adjacent brewery, and also traded as Sorrel Horse. Cannot find any information, not even when it closed!

To finish, here are the names of some of the now demolished inns or pubs that are known to have existed.

The Drum - Angel Street - now demolished. Closed 1782

Shoulder of Mutton - Pound Lane. This pub pre-dates the Shoulder of Mutton on the High Street. It is recorded back in the 18th century. Now demolished?

Plough - Inkerman Terrace - now demolished

The Fountain - Threadneedle Street. Closed around 1748 and now demolished.

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