Local historians reveal The Fountain pub’s rich past through recently discovered 17th-century documents.
The Fountain is quite old, dating back to the 1500s, and holds Grade II listed status. The letters feature complex calligraphy, making them challenging to decipher.
Three historians offered assistance after seeing the Ipswich Star article. Dr. Vivienne Aldous, a lecturer at the University of Suffolk, led the effort to decipher the old records. The records are now at Suffolk Archives to protect them for the future.
One document features two Cuthbert signatures. The pub is currently undergoing a major makeover, during which the documents were discovered. John Beale made a will in 1640, leaving The Fountain to John Brothers.
Deeds from that time didn’t specify that it was an inn, although it possibly functioned as one. Brothers later willed the pub to Thomas Filby, who sold it to George Jackson, a resident of Witnesham, for £100.
In 1714, George Pratt, a brewer from Ipswich, acquired the pub. Jeffery Gildersleeve managed it.
Jeffery was also a shoemaker, which was a common practice to have more than one job at the time. In 1819, John Cobbold the younger bought it, beginning the Cobbold brewery era. Cobbold, who lived from 1746 to 1835, was a renowned Ipswich brewer.
John and Elizabeth Cobbold employed Margaret Catchpole, a runaway servant. Her story inspired people for years. Cobbold and Co Ltd owned the pub in 1934.
Dr. Aldous is thrilled about the documents. Tom and Ruth entrusted them to Suffolk Archives. The letters illuminate village life history and preserve the pub’s legacy, paving the way for further research.
The Fountain had been closed for renovations before reopening on February 21st.