During the night of 16th November 1730, landlady Ann Wright was strangled by one George Smith, who had been let into the house by servant Mary Taylor. The latter was perceived to have betrayed her employer and was accused of Petty Treason and sentenced to death by burning. The murderer was sentenced to death by hanging. Both the punishments were carried out at the Tuesday Market Place on 25th March 1731.
The Norwich Mercury reported that Smith was ` turned off ' as the fire was set to Mary Taylor, `whose cries were very dismal to the spectators'. 
Richard Johnson was paid £1/10/- for conducting the execution and two un-named assistants were paid 2/6d for tending the fire. The total cost of the event, including gibbet, faggots, 18 head porters, 10 constables and 12 javelin men, was £10/19/5d