OLD BEAR - NORTH WALSHAM

Sold at auction 9th July 1792

John Sharpe of the BEAR INN, announced 11th April 1807 that he intended to run a light chaise to the Maids Head Inn, Norwich, each Saturday from 11th April.

Advertised 18th February 1809 - To Be Sold or Let.
In full trade. To be entered in at Lady Day.
Apply to Mr. W. Shepheard, North Walsham.
(Advertisement notice dated 14th February)

The Household Furniture and Effects of John Sharpe were offered for sale by auction on 4th and 5th March 1809.
He had taken the KINGS ARMS and all of its contents, and would remove to there on Lady Day (25th March).

To be Sold or Let as announcement 18th March 1809. Interested parties to apply to Mr. W. Shepheard.

William Pashley advised the Gentlemen of North Walsham, Saturday 8th April 1809, that he had "Recently engaged the Bear Inn" and assured them of his best attention.

Given as the BEAR in the 1835 Register of Electors and in directories to at least 1872.

Mr. Barotte announced October 1837 that he had made, at considerable expense, improvements to the house, enabling him to offer all convenience and comfort to Private Families, which could be afforded by a first rate Family Hotel. Also he had provided for his Commercial and Agricultural Friends by enlarging the Stables and could offer them personal comfort and accommodation for their horses, sustaining the character of the old established Commercial House.

All the Household Furniture, Linen, China, Glass, Kitchen and Culinary Requisites, Stock of Wines, Spirits, Cordials and Gunton Ale, Chestnut Mare, Gig, Luggage Cart, Harness, Swine, Brandy Hogsheads, Wine Pipes and other Effects of Benjamin Barrotte were to be Sold by Auction, Tuesday and Wednesday 20th and 21st March 1849.

Lot No. 6 in sale of estate of Mr W. Colk 28th June 1853. Occupant then Mr. Humphrey and the property valued at £700.

Advertised To Let October 1860, the present tenant about to take a Farm. (Same advertisement appeared March 1861) Apply at the Brewery, Reepham.

The name said to originate from earlier bear baiting activities.

It is reputed that a gentleman from Cromer by the name of `Mad' Windham challenged North Walsham boxing champion `Spot' Gee - by bringing a dozen prize fighters to be fought by Gee, in the upstairs Club room. Gee beat them all and dropped each fallen challenger through the window, into the yard below.

Appears to be operating mainly as a shop by 1933 although maintained a Full Licence.
Advertised as a Grocers and Provision Stores selling Youngs, Crawshays & Youngs ales, wines & spirits in 1933.

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

First planned to close (as Uneconomic) January 1967 as agreed at the Property Rationalisation Committee Meeting of 2nd February 1966

Called the OLD BEAR STORES from 1967