27th December 1783

JUST ARRIVED FROM LONDON
To be seen in the Star Yard

A Capital Collection of Wild Beasts

A Beautiful Lion, from Algiers, being the only one alive that travels.
A beautiful Hunting Tyger, from the Cape Of Good Hope.
A Curious Porcupine, from the Coast of Africa.
An amazing large Black Wolf from Siberia, the first of its kind ever seen alive in Europe.
The Female Satyr, or Ethiopian Savage, from the Island of Madagascar.
A Curious Night Walker from the Island of Borneo.
With a Curious Ape from the Brazils.

NB The Above Collection is well secured and kept clean.

Ladies and Gentlemen 6d
Tradesmen and Children 3d
Servants 2d
House No. 184 on 1845 Magistrates list.





John Mason, former licensee of the STAR INN, Market-place, died during the week ending 7th January 1843.
He was 76 years old.
Exact time he was at the STAR yet to be determined.

Pre 1761 to 1893/4

Address as 23 Haymarket in 1783

In December 1783 a capital Collection of Wild Beasts could be seen in the Star Yard. 6d entrance for Ladies and Gentlemen, 3d for Tradesmen, 3d for Children and Servants at 2d.
The display included the only living Lion on travels, a beautiful Hunting Tyger from the Cape of Good Hope, a curious Porcupine from the Coast of Africa, an amazing Black Wolf from Siberia, the first of its kind seen in Europe. Also the Female Satyr or Ethiopian Savage from the Island of Madagascar, the curious Egyptian Night Walker, from the Island of Borneo and a curious Ape from the Brazils.
The Collection well secured and kept clean.

One of 40 houses named as being engaged for the Reception of Freeholders for Sir John Woodhouse and Sir Edward Astley's Friends on the Day of Election, Wednesday 14th April 1784.

Advertised For Sale 24th April 1784 with Warehouses and Stables thereto belonging. In occupation of Mr. Christopher Cossey.

For sale March 1787, let on lease to Mr Christopher Cossey, expiring Michaelmas 1791 at £55 per annum.

One of 36 Norwich houses opened for the reception of Voters in the interest of Mr. Windham and Mr. Coke on election day Thursday 13th November 1806. The name of the Hundred for which the house was appropriated was to be displayed at each house.

For Sale by Auction Saturday 13th June 1812.
In excellent repair and full trade; consisting of several drinking and dining rooms, chambers and useful offices. stabling for a hundred horses. Possession at Michaelmas.

Mr. Cuckow declared 17th October 1812 that he had departed to take the SWAN INN at Worstead.

Advertised for sale (on 17th February 1820) in the Norfolk Chronicles of 5th & 12th February 1820
`That old established Inn, called the Star....in full trade, consisting of several dining and drinking rooms, chambers and useful offices, with a yard and stabling for 100 horses.'

In 1830 a coach called The ROYAL MAIL left for London every day at 5.00pm, travelling a different route (via  Wymondham and Epping) to another coach, also called The Royal Mail, which left at the same time from the ANGEL INN.
The coach The ECLIPSE left every day Except Sunday (& Friday in winter) at 4.00pm for Bungay & Halesworth.

On Tuesday 17th May 1853 Mr. Watson appeared in Court for refusing to pay the recently levied General District Rate. After much legal argument he, and two other protesting businessmen, were ordered to pay the outstanding debt.

Advertised To Let, January 1862, with Liquor Shop, Yard and Stabling. An excellent opportunity for an active and industrious man.
Advertised again March 1862 - To Let at a Reduced Rate - Immediate Possession to be had.

At the Annual Licensing Sessions held 19th August 1862 it was fully expected that licensee Noakes would have his licence suspended or at least receive a severe reprimand from the magistrates. Noakes had `received memorable notoriety in connection with the Durrant card-sharping case.' The magistrates however, after a few remarks amongst themselves, through the Mayor, informed Noakes that he must be more cautious in future. The Chief Constable reported that it was his belief that no card playing was going on in the house and he would keep a sharp look-out in future.

On 9th September 1862, Mr. Noakes was again before the Magistrates charged with an Offence against the Beer Act.
Sergeant Smith had been attracted by loud talking in the yard at twenty-five minutes past three o'clock on the morning of Sunday 7th September. There he found four gentlemen with Noakes filling the glass of one of them. The Sergeant was offered a drink but he refused.
The Mayor thought a severe punishment was required since Noakes had only recently escaped from a case of ` rather unusual description ' and his licence had not been renewed more than a month.
Fine of 40s and 11s costs.


On Thursday 7th June 1866 Ann Harmer, late servant at the house of Mr. W. Shales, of the STAR HOTEL, was charged with stealing articles from a commercial traveller and some crape, falls and stockings from her fellow servants and others. Admitting guilt she was sentenced to three months' hard labour.

Again for sale 14th October 1890.

Licence dropped 1894