1915

It was reported Saturday 15th August 1807 that Mr. Jackson of Lakenham had attended the Bell, Wortwell, to view the body of John Harvey, who had fallen from a waggon loaded with peas.....

The DOVE INN, at Wortwell was offered for sale Tuesday, 11th April 1815. In the same sale were Three Brick and Tile Cottages, situated near the BELL INN, Wortwell

Lot No. III in the sale of Harleston Brewery properties 3rd July 1828.
In occupation of Samuel Church. Including Wash-house, Yard, Garden, Barn, Stables and about 1A 3R 21P of Arable Land.


Offered for sale by auction Tuesday 27th July 1841.
The property of the late Mr. Robert Burgess, deceased.
`Most advantageously situated at the junction of the two roads leading from Harleston and Mendham to Bungay, with wash-house, yard, garden, barn, stables and outbuildings thereto belonging, in occupation of Mr. James Burgess.

John Richardson is given as Innkeeper and Brewer in 1851.
Also at the house were :-
Wife - Ann (43)
Daughters - Mary Ann (21)
Hannah (12)
Deborah (11)
Thirza Sophia (5)
and son John H. (14) who was then employed as an ostler.
See BREWERY.

John H. Richardson was accused Monday 12th March 1866 of allowing gambling, by the use of cards on 9th February. The case was dismissed through an informality in the information.

Licence renewal refused 6th September 1867 (Full licence of John Richardson jun.?)

Mr. J. H. Richardson appeared at the Court of Bankruptcy, London,  27th May 1870. At the time he was living in Strood Green, Chiswick and applied for discharge from his bankruptcy which had been petitioned 31st December 1869. Some thirteen creditors were named and £196 7s 0d was owed. In the final two years of trading Mr. Richardson had expended £180. With no creditors in attendance at the hearing, an order of discharge was granted.

It was reported 7th October 1871 that Benjamin George Harvey had fraudulently removed goods, above the value of £20,  from the house on 29th July 1871. Mr. Minns, the traveller for Steward & Patteson, confirmed that goods left in the house were worth less than 30s. Harvey was ordered to pay £16 10s.

On 30th December 1871 it was reported that Mr. Olley had permitted disorderly conduct in his house on the morning of 15th December. He had cleared the tap room to allow two quarrelsome customers to go `about four rounds'. His excuse of wanting to get rid of the drunken party was considered lame and the magistrates were not satisfied. He was fined £2 10 and £1 10s costs.


June 1996

South Norfolk Council's Community Pub of the Year - 2010
(2nd such award)

Included in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2012
(Published Sept 2011)

Awarded an Enterprise Community Heroes Award October 2016 for converting part of the building into a Shop, Lounge and Library to serve the local community.

Closed September 2023 - Reopened 1st March 2024 - Closed October 2024