CROSS KEYS - NORTH WALSHAM

Appears as the CROSS in 1794 Register.

An auction sale was held here according to information published 27th April 1785.

Matthew Wright advised that a Main of Cocks between the Gentlemen of Aylsham and those of North Walsham would be held here 18th December 1789.

The Household Furniture and Effects of Mr. Matthew Wright were auctioned on Tuesday 9th and Wednesday 10th October 1810.

To be Sold by Private Contract May 1820.
With spacious yard, commodious stabling, outbuildings, an excellent bowling green and garden adjoining, containing altogether about an acre of land; in the several occupations of Edmund Pestell and Mr. Robert Chalker.
(Still advertised for sale, 3rd June 1820)

It was reported 16th December 1826 that the house adjoined the warehouse of Ironmonger, John Randall. A large collection, including ten spades and shovels, five saws, four large hammers, three axes, one adze, several pairs of bellows, copper tea kettles and lanterns had been discovered in the hay-loft of the Cross Keys. From the large stock of goods held in the warehouse, it was impossible to ascertain how long the villainous traffic had been going on. A hole had been discovered in the yard at the end of the warehouse, unobserved by those who passed.
The attempts to identify the thieves had proved ineffectual.

On Wednesday 16th September 1829, Mr. Buck, gun maker of North Walsham, married Clari, 5th daughter of Mr. Thomas Pilch, of the Cross Keys Inn.

Offered For Sale 5th April 1851 upon the instructions of the Executors of the late Mr. John Sharpe.

Mr. & Mrs. Lea gave their opening dinner to about forty gentlemen of the town on Monday 17th February 1868.
William Douglas Lea was described 3rd July 1869 as an agent for Mr. Philip Smythe Primrose, brewery of Trunch.

Morgans sales for 1960 were:-
Barrels of beer 188
Spirits 115 (gallons)

Held a Market Day extension for
Thursday afternoons - 2:30pm to 4:30pm

Closed 10th August 1970 according to Watney Mann records.
Licence not renewed February 1973.