Scole Inn - Scole, Norfolk
Posted by: SMacB
N 52° 21.956 E 001° 09.330
31U E 374415 N 5803339
The Scole Inn, an historic 17th century coaching inn with an impressive unspoilt exterior.
Waymark Code: WMVWBC
Location: Eastern England, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 06/03/2017
Views: 0
"Scole Inn was built for John Peck, a Norwich wool merchant, and has been dated to 1655. Situated halfway between Norwich and Ipswich on the influential Roman Pye Road (now the A140), and on the junction with the road between Bury St Edmunds and Great Yarmouth (A143), this Inn occupied an incredibly influential position on the region's premier land transport routes. Indeed, this Inn is said to be one of the best examples in the country of its type, and is believed to be one of the most sumptuous in England built solely for the purpose of offering hospitality.
The inn originally had an extravagant sign which extended right across the road, although this was removed after 1795, and at one time as many as forty stagecoaches a day passed by. It is built of red brick laid in English bond and has five wide sections at the front, each crowned with a Dutch gable. Inside, a solid staircase links all the floors, and it is up this that the highwayman John Belcher is said to have ridden to avoid the law. The date of the building has been contentious, as several details, both internal and external, have suggested a late 16th century date.
Description -
Brick, large. 1655 according to (S1) but (S2) states that in many ways it is still in 16th century style. English bond, facade in five sections each crowned by Dutch (pedimented shaped) gables, and divided and subdivided by brick pilasters and string courses. Two storeys plus dormers in the gables. Decorative raised brick ovals and some window frames. Three rear projections and in one recessed section wooden pilasters in two orders forming part of a timber framed wall. Square chimney stacks with arched panelling. Interior staircase in 16th century style; legend of a highwayman having ridden up it. Formerly a large figured gallows-sign across the road, dated 1655, see (S1), and a circular bed for postboys [and less affluent guests], now in America.
In fact the building has always been known as both the Scole Inn and the White Hart."
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