STAR HOTEL - REGENT WARD

The Cromwell Temperance Hotel (Left) adjoining the original Star.
Image c1895

Hotel founded 1660
Listed as an inn from 1750.

Said to originally been the home of
Lord President Bradshaw who presided at the trial of Charles I.

Nelson visited here in 1800 and a painting of the event was exhibited at the International Exhibition of 1862.

Carved oak paneling from the `Nelson Room' was removed in 1813.
The panels dating from c1600.
The panels found their way to the USA and the room
was eventually re-created in the New York Metropolitan Museum.

Advertised for sale July 1823, having been run for the past 21 years by the proprietor who was leaving solely on account of his health.
Advertised again October 1827, the property benefitting from a coffee-room, commercial-room, and several other excellent sitting-rooms, good bed-rooms and capital attics, and the largest private cellars in Yarmouth. The recently erected Brewery adjoining, being the only brewery in town attached to an Inn. The adjoining Tap being much frequented.

George Bennett, late the Theatre Royal, Norwich, thanked his numerous Friends, 5th June 1824, for the kind support he had received during his short occupation. He announced his determination to merit a continuation of public favour by serving Dinners, Wines and Liquors of the very best quality at Reasonable Charges.

Advertised for sale 28th April 1827 and 6th & 13th October 1827
With a frontage (with a portico) of 35 feet, depth 200 feet, with six front sitting-rooms, (coffee-room and superb dining room included), 12 bed-rooms, with the capability of adding 6 at a small expense, spacious bar, kitchen adjoining, store-rooms, water closet, and other conveniences, tap-room with bar, parlour, and bed-room attached, capital stabling for 10 horses, granary, hay and straw chamber, carriage, gig and harness houses, stable yard, &c. Including a newly built Brew-house (An advantage enjoyed by no other Inn, in Yarmouth).

Bankrupt George Bennett assigned his assets to whitesmith Samuel Sherrington, wine & liquor merchant William Holmes Diver and merchant Samuel Browne on 15th September 1827.

For sale by auction Saturday 10th September 1831.
A Freehold property in the most perfect state of repair.
(The description following being exactly the same as when offered to let the following month.)

Offered to let 22nd October 1831 with immediate possession, including attached Brewery. Described as `comprising coffee room, commercial room, and many other sitting rooms, fronting Yarmouth Quay, numerous good bedrooms and capital attics, and has the largest private cellars in the town of Yarmouth. The Brewery, which has been lately erected, on the best principle, is capable a great deal of business; the TAP adjoining the Brewery is much frequented, and may be let under great advantage. The Coach Houses and Stables are extremely good and conveniently situated at the back of the inn with communication to Howard Street.'

About 50 principal merchants and farmers attended the corn market, held here 23rd February 1832. In return for the accommodation offered by the spirited landlord, Mr. Bird, the traders dined together and such was the excellence of the dinner and wines, the civility and attention of the landlord, and the conviviality and harmony that prevailed, that the company remained till a late hour. (Mr. Bird had recently taken on the house.)

Advertised August 1835 To Let or For Sale with Possession at Michaelmas.

William Bird announced 13th April 1833 that he had made considerable improvements to the Establishment, particularly to the Bed-rooms which now had Dressing-rooms attached. Stabling had been enlarged and there was a good entrance to the Stable Yard from Howard Street, the approach to which, from the Norwich road, was from Wrestler's Plain and along Charlotte Street.

Offered For Sale by Auction Monday 28th May 1838 with possession from Michaelmas.
Mr. Bird in occupation.

To Let with immediate possession March 1839.
With Extensive Stabling, Tap and Brewery.

Mr. Bird took over the new ROYAL HOTEL by June 1840.
Mary Pestell announced 27th June 1840 that having taken over the STAR HOTEL, she was Impressed with Gratitude, for the Favours conferred on her since she had entered the Old-established House.

On Wednesday 15th May 1844 Miss Pestell, the fair hostess, received an order, which arrived at four o'clock by railway telegraph, to provide dinner for 10 or 12 persons at five o'clock precisely, with the fish course being specially requested as mackerel. The Gentlemen arrived at the appointed time and were served their expected meal in Miss Pestell's usual style of neatness and comfort, in the fine old carved room so much admired for its great antiquity. The Gentlemen by train at eight o'clock, quite delighted with their splendid entertainment.

Address as Short Quay in 1836, 1850 & 1854.
57 Howard Street in 1896.
(Site was on the NW corner of Row 67
- Howard Street to Hall Quay).

Dental surgeons Suggett and Dunsford professionally attended the Star Hotel on the First Monday of Every Month as advertised January 1866.

Given as the STAR HOTEL VAULTS from 1896 to 1929.

Proprietor Mr. S. J. Ramsey issued `a most interesting booklet relating to the ancient historic house.... and the extensive work he had recently carried out......' As reported August 1901.
<Anybody ever seen a copy?>

In February 1903 it was recalled that the licence of the Star Hotel had been granted under the Act of 1828 to a single bar. The hotel occupants were served from that bar only. By 1903 there were three distinct drinking shops operating from the single licence.

The STAR HOTEL relocated in premises next door, which had been the Cromwell Temperance Hotel (Built 1764). The licence was transferred from the Old Star to the New Star in September 1930.

December 1986

Original house demolished in 1934 to allow building of an extension to the Post Office.

Closed in March 2020 and rooms offered for sale, from £44,950 each, as investments.....
Building sold 2021 for £1,000.

"At Risk" - June 2022