KINGS ARMS - NORTH WALSHAM

1995

The First North Walsham Subscription Ball was held here Monday, 28th October 1776.

Captain Marshall of the North Lincoln Militia left behind a Chest containing Regimental Clothes and other Articles when he departed the King's Arms, at the beginning of April 1794. He also stood indebted to Mr. John Payne for Board and other necessities.
He was required to settle his account within 14 days or the contents would be sold toward payment of the debt and the cost of the Advertisement - 2nd March 1797.

The first Meeting of the Commissioners for the Act of Inclosing Land in the parish of East Ruston was held at the house of John Payne, the King's Arms, North Walsham, on Friday, 18th April 1806.
A further such meeting was held Friday, 3rd April 1807.

As advertised for sale March 1808.... ` A Capital Inn, occupied by the proprietor "for near thirty years past", Mr John Payne who is to retire.'

( A Dwelling House, in North Walsham, John Payne junior, proprietor, was offered for sale, 11th June 1808. Occupation from Michaelmas. A further sale of all of his Household Furniture took place on Thursday, 20th October 1808)

Note: On 2nd April 1796 it had been published that John Payne intended to retire at Lady Day (25th March 1796).
The same announcement stated that William Kendle was to take possession.
Since Mr. Payne was still at the house in 1808, it seems that this arrangement failed.
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Lord Suffield held a meeting here 14th September 1811 regarding the construction of the North Walsham to Dilham canal.
A dinner was held here, in the presence of the Honourable (Colonel) John Wodehouse, to celebrate the opening of the canal in 1826.
(Canal opened 29th August 1826 - Navigation officially ended in 1935)

John Sharpe held a Public Dinner here on Wednesday 8th July 1812.
The Dinner would be held in the Assembly Room and commence at four o'clock. Tickets ten shillings and sixpence each. <Equivalent in 2017 to a value of £522 according to one source!>

Once an important Coaching Inn.
By 1830 a coach left for Cromer every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 6:00pm. Another coach left for Norwich at 10:00am every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Departure to Norwich was at 9:00am on a Saturday.
The coach the MAIL CART left for Norwich every day at 2:00pm.

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John Howes held his Opening Dinner on Monday, 23rd October 1837.
Tickets at 8s each.
A Military Band would attend.

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The wedding of Her Majesty was celebrated here on 10th February 1840.
The King's Arms was most conspicuous in the illuminations and the landlord, Mr. Howes regaled the poor with strong ale..

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For Sale by Auction Wednesday, 3rd February 1841.
Comprising an excellent and substantially built Dwelling-house in complete repair, consisting of a ball-room, six parlours or sitting rooms, fifteen sleeping rooms, commercial travellers' booth, porter room, kitchens, bar, pantries, &c. with extensive cellars, coach houses, stables, hay and straw chambers, granaries, and every other convenience......... In the occupation of Mr. John Howes.
A small Messuage with stables adjoining also included and may be used with the inn or for other use.
Possession available from Michaelmas.

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For sale by Private Contract May 1847.
Owner John Sharpe had been proprietor of the house for `upwards of thirty years' and a lucrative business had been carried on for many years.
The house in occupation of Mr. John Howes, a very respectable tenant.
About 25 Acres of very excellent Arable Land, lying near the premises was also available for hire.

Offered To Let August 1847 by proprietor John Sharpe.
In occupation of Mr. Howes, a highly respectable tenant whose term was to expire at Michaelmas.
Advertised again 18th September 1847.

Offered For Sale Tuesday 8th April 1851 upon the instructions of the Executors of the late Mr. John Sharpe.

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The Furniture, China, Glass, about 180 dozen bottles containing Port, Sherry and light Wine, Post Horses, Clarence, Hearse, & Mourning Coaches, Gig, Dog and Luggage Carts, Wine Truck and Horse Harness were all for sale by auction 7th, 8th and 9th October owing to the tenancy of Mr. Arthur expiring on 10th October 1856. The sale included the contents of the several Entertaining Rooms, Bed Rooms, Larder and Kitchens, Bar, Cellar, Yard and Stables.

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County Court held here during the 1850's.

For Sale by Auction Thursday 11th May 1865 along with 24 Acres of Land which was contiguous to the Norwich Turnpike and projected Railway.

On Friday 22nd August 1871, the inquest into the death of Rachael Chapman returned a verdict of `Died from a fit of apoplexy'.
The surgeon had performed a post mortem examination and found her organs all healthy, apart from the liver, which was slightly enlarged, but not the cause of death. Upon examining the head, he found an effusion of serum on the brain, which could have caused a fit of apoplexy.

James Chapman applied to the magistrates on Tuesday 27th August 1872 for permission to keep his house open until midnight. Refused.

On Sunday 27th August 1899 proprietor John Walpole Palmer sent Jockey Elvin on one of his fastest horses to all the local farms.
The Town Hall was on fire and within 30 minutes 30 water carts were lined up at the fire pumps. The Town Hall was destroyed.
The site became the Manor Hotel.

Royal patronage claimed by Mr. R. W. Palmer in January 1901 advertisement.

A Freemasons meeting place for over 200 years.

Damaged by enemy action 31st December 1942

One S&P record states that the house was purchased for £7,000 in 1927, however the S&P Trust Deed states £5,500 was paid 17th April 1928.

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

1870 receipt for 1 bottle of Best Gin and 1 of Old Crown Brandy.

1870 receipt for 1 bottle of Best Gin and 1 of Old Crown Brandy.