The earliest reference to a tavern on its site was in 1241 or 1249 as a brewhouse used by workmen building the nearby cathedral.[1] The brewhouse was owned by Benedictine monks at the nearby Great Hospital.[2] It was the last pub in Norwich to serve ale from the barrel, until a bar was installed in 1971.[4]
Building
The pub seen today is a 17th-century building constructed from brick and flint with later additions such as Dutch gables. A Saxon well is located beneath the lower bar floor.[2]