The Norfolk Chronicle of 20th April 1776 reported.....
William Baxter. At the Red Lion, St. Stephens, Norwich. Begs to inform his friends and public in general that as ABRAHAMS ALL is now rebuilding so that customers cannot have any accommodation should think himself happy to be honoured with their company until the house is rebuilt. And as Mr. Cobb is leaving the RAMPANT HORSE any of his customers that choose to make trial of the above mentioned Inn shall have every due attention paid them that lies in his power.

(The reference to the Rampant Horse is strange because 1776 is the earliest date that Mr Cobb is mentioned and he is there, probably to 1783).

John Clarke announced 12th July 1777 that he had taken the house. He had previously been at the White Lion (St Peter Mancroft?)

Advertised Saturday 26th March 1842 - To be Sold by Auction on 26th April. Mr. Thomas Saunders in occupation.

Advertised by Messrs Bullard & Watts, 2nd April 1842, To Let . With Mr. Thomas Saunders in occupation as their tenant. Location given as on the corner of Red Lion Street, in the parish of Saint Stephen.

Advertised To Let Saturday 12th April 1845 with immediate possession - The RED LION WINE, SPIRIT and PORTER VAULTS, situated at the corner of Red Lion Street and Orford Hill. `Now in full trade'.

Robert Crowe of Ranworth felt he had been swindled when playing with a teetotum at the house Friday 28th September 1849. He had been lead to the house by a man named Bradbury, who persuaded him to lend a fellow player, Thomas Campling £1 on the basis he was a good player. A second £1 was lent on the promise that he would share half of the winnings. He received only 5s back.
Bail was refused on Bradbury and Campling at the hearing Saturday 29th September 1849.
At the hearing the following Tuesday, Mr Atkinson appeared for Crowe and withdrew the charges. The Mayor informed Crowe that he could not make him prosecute, but he did not approve of the proceeding.
Licensee Hardy was summoned for allowing gambling and pleading guilty he was fined 10s with 11s 6d costs.
Hardy was reminded that this was the second case that had taken place within the last few days and threatened him with the full penalty in the event of any further occurrence.


Full licence refused 30th August 1854.

On Tuesday 3rd October 1854, landlord Newman was accused of assaulting his wife. It was said to be very badly conducted house and that Newman appeared to be a very unfit to keep a public house. The Chairman sought more information and ordered Newman to appear again on Thursday 5th October, where the magistrates found the information proved and issued a fine of 5s and 11s 6d costs, which was paid..


Operated as a beerhouse until 1st September 1857 when George Hewett successfully applied for a new licence. (Full licence had been refused 1856)
Area developed as Orford Place.