BLACK BOYS HOTEL

Mr Cooks coach c1908

In 1625 John Potts of Mannington summons a local attorney
"by 8 of the clock in the morning to be at the signe of the BLACK BOY in Ailsham for the hearing of the said business."

Present building said to date to 1650.

As the THREE BLACK BOYS 1652
and when referenced 1785 by Parson Woodforde.

On Monday 24th to Wednesday 26th April 1786 there was a `Main of Cocks fought between the Gentlemen of Suffolk and the Gentlemen of Norfolk.' 5 Guineas per Battle and 20 the Odd.

Mr. S. Porter announced 7th August 1813 that he had taken the Inn. He offered Ladies and Gentlemen the comfort of the best beds and lofty rooms. Travellers would find equal if not superior accommodation, on the most reasonable terms.

Advertised To be Sold or Let 11th February 1815. With nine bedrooms and several servants' rooms and attics. Highly patronised Monthly Subscription Balls always held and a most complete water closet lately fitted up, two parlours, two kitchens, store room, scullery, bar, good wine vaults and cellars, Stables for 30 horses, hay lofts and granary, outhouses, yards and every convenience for public accommodation.
Early possession.

John Secker, late the DOG INN, advised 14th October 1815 that he had taken the BLACK BOYS. He informed that the Inn had been recently repaired and beautified at considerable expense.

Although Charles Tucker is given as licensee in the 1836 trades directory, Charles Tattum, in May 1834, advised the Nobility, Gentry and the Public that he had taken the Inn. The Opening Dinner would be on Tuesday 20th May 1834.

Monsieur Testot performed his astonishing Magical Illusions here, in the Assembly Room, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings 30th October to 1st November 1837. (After a lapse of ten years he had considerably augmented his Performance)
Tickets : Front seats 2s - Second seats 1s.

Charles Tattum recommended his Successor, James Spanton, to his Friends and the Public in a notification dated March 1844.
In an accompanying announcement Mr. Spanton, pledged to refurbish the establishment and offered All of the Household Furniture for Sale by Auction to be held Thursday, 18th April 1844 and the following day. Also included Six Riding or Gig Horses, Post Chaise, Chariot, Neat Gig and Harness, &c, &c.

At the Norfolk Sessions, held at Norwich Shirehall on Wednesday 15th October 1845, 48 year old William Drake was found guilty of stealing a door, the property of James Spanton. He received 21 days imprisonment.

On the evening of Wednesday 16th January 1850, Mr. Spanton served a Dinner in the large room for about forty gentlemen, who apparently each gave a toast in celebration of the new gas lights which, that night, were lit for the first time. After Dinner the Assembly Room was cleared of tables and seats and the Ball commenced at soon after nine o'clock. About 100 Ladies and Gentlemen attended and the dancing was kept up with great spirit until four o'clock in the morning.

The business card of James Breese c1860.

During the last week of August 1859. a clergyman, well known in the neighbourhood for his extreme views on total abstinence, called at the Inn, seeking the services of the `boots' of the establishment and called repeatedly for the porter. Being an excessively sultry day and the demand seemingly an urgent one, a tankard of Truman, Hanbury & Buxton's Entire was speedily presented to his reverence, who in turn dismissed the `vile compound' with disgust, much to the amusement of the lookers-on who were aware of his objections to intoxicating liquors.
Mr. Henry Garner gave his opening dinner on Tuesday 20th December 1864.

Described as recently of the FEATHERS at Holt, he served about seventy guests a dinner of the most recherché description and the wines were excellent. Through the generosity of Mr. Garner, tickets were supplied for the poor of the parish for the liberal supply of first-rate soup.
On Monday 12th and Tuesday 13th March 1871 there was a `Main of Cocks fought between the Gentlemen of Suffolk and the Gentlemen of Norfolk.' The usual prize was 5 Guineas per battle, but the odd Battle had a prize of 50 Guineas.
A bill was sent to Mr Forster of Aylsham, 03.02.1898 by Mr Christmas Stapleton. The sum of £6/4/- was due for the hire of a miscellany of horse drawn transport during the year 1897.

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James Wells of Cawston, Farm Bailiff
was accused at the Petty Sessions 12th February 1920,
of `unlawfully consuming certain intoxicating liquor, to wit, Whiskey, during such hours as prohibited...'
The offence had taken place on 6th February 1920.
William Medler, Horse Slaughterer, also charged with the same offence, both were fined £1.

The licensee who appeared in court accused of selling the whiskey out of hours was William Murton Loomes and he was fined £5.
(Mr Loomes has not been found recorded as licensee in any other document)

The information was provided by Welcome William Basham, Deputy Chief Constable.

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Mr. Edward Bragg, discovered at 7:00 am on Tuesday 19th July 1921, that the house had been broken into and cash, notes, jewellery, &c. had been stolen. Value was estimated at £1,500. The police were making enquiries......