Mentioned in the accounts of the parish overseers 1779.
1s 7d was claimed as expenses at the Gate following the examination of James Barber.

For sale by auction Wednesday 11th August 1813.
Possession to be had at Michaelmas.

For Sale by Auction Tuesday 10th March 1829, then in the occupation of George Denny.

Lot No. 6 in the Auction Tuesday 27th July 1841, of Properties of the late Mr. Robert Burgess of Wortwell. Described as located on the high road leading from Harleston to Norwich and the only public house, or beer-shop, in the parish of Starston and in occupation of Benjamin Burgess.

It was reported 4th October 1893 that labourer James Nichols seriously assaulted Mrs White by knocking her down when she attempted prevent him striking Mr. White.
Nichols was sentenced to two months imprisonment.


Charles Osborne on his last day as landlord, bidding farewell to his oldest customer, John Leggett, aged 86.

In July 1950, Mr. Charles Osborne was congratulated by the Chairman of the licensing magistrates, for formally agreeing to transfer the licence to Mr. Ephraim Groom, after nearly forty years at the house without any reports of trouble. The representative for Messrs. Lacon & Co. Ltd confirmed that Mr. Osborne had been at the house for over thirty-nine years.
Mr. Osborne informed reporters that when he took over the house he could supply customers with a pint of beer, a small packet of cigarettes and a plate of bread and cheese for 5d. Gin was 2s 2d a bottle.
Also being a fish retailer, he would travel the district with a pony and cart selling bloaters at seven for 3d.

Licence given up by Lacons and "last orders" were called on the night of Saturday, 14th August 1954 and the property was sold to the sitting tenant.

It was reported 20th August 1954 that Mr. Mayoh intended to make alterations to what used to be the public bar to enable it to become a Sub-Post Office. (The previous Post office in the village had closed some five years previously.)
Pub closures were due to the high cost of beer and spirits, mainly because of the heavy duty. It was difficult for innkeepers to meet their expenses in sparsely populated areas....said Mr. Mayoh.