c1960

Referred to as the ROYAL HOTEL BRANCH to 1893.

It was reported that Alfred Newton was charged with stabbing James Andrews. At the hearing Friday 28th August 1857 it was stated that on the previous Thursday night, several men had returned from Yarmouth and were in Mr. Warne's public house. Newton had thought that they were imposing upon his father by drinking on his expense. Andrews said that he had paid for every beer he drank. A quarrel ensued and then a scuffle. Andrews and others got up to go away, but Newton stopped Andrews and struck him in the neck with a knife. Newton advised the Court that he was very sorry for what had occurred and that he had been so drunk that he did not recollect anything about it. He did not know if he struck Andrews or anybody else. - He was committed to trial.


William Blyth, licensee from 1872, was the father of Vernon William Blyth (born 1887) who moved to New York. There he changed his name to Vernon Castle and became an internationally famous dancer.

At the Brewster Sessions held Thursday 21st August 1884 it was heard that under the Norwich Improvement Act of 1879, the Corporation required to widen Foundry bridge to 50 feet. This would require to use land partially forming the frontage of the GREAT EASTERN HOTEL. The Corporation had obtained compulsory powers to get the whole hotel.
By agreement with the Charity Trustees, owners, the lessees Youngs & Crawshay and their tenant, Mr. Blyth, there would be no fees paid to any party. The Corporation would however pay all expenses of a new building to be erected on adjoining land. The new house would have 21 bedrooms, cost £3,000 and title would be owned wholly by the Charity Trustees.
In consequence the application by Mr. Blyth for the licence to be removed to the new house was granted.

Closed 1961 as described in Bullards documents.
Demolished 1963.

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New premises to be constructed on the site and to be known as the HOTEL NELSON,
Initial licence granted  5th January 1965 under the name NELSONS TOUCH.