Harwich's 'Little Pub' book series concludes with 9th book

Harwich historians Richard Oxborrow, Harry Black and Lewis Peake created the Little Pub series during the pandemic so drinkers could find out more about the history of the town's hostelries.

They said researching the project over the past few years has “thrown up surprises” and shown “little gems of information when least expected” – but admit they are used to surprises whenever they start digging into Harwich’s history.

The ninth and final book in the series tells the story of the Swan, on King’s Head Street.

Richard said: “The Swan has proved to be another fascinating pub to research, and having been built as a magnificent mansion for one of Harwich’s original council members elected in 1604, it has been a pub under four different pub signs.”

The book will be launched at the King’s Head Street Christmas market on Sunday, November 24, with copies also being available from the Ha’penny Pier Visitor Centre and Harwich Town Museum.

Previous ‘Little Pubs' books have featured the Stingray and Crown Post, the Hanover, New Bell, Alma Inn, the Samuel Pepys, British Flag and the Globe.

Most recently in October, the eighth book on Shakers Bar, formerly known as the Elephant and Castle, was released, which included a tale about a licensing scandal and an attempt to have it closed down by temperance activists.

Trail - Samuel Pepys chef Tommy holding a Little Pub Book in April ahead of the Harwich Ale Trail (Image: Richard Oxborrow) The nine books can also be used to create a pub crawl across historic Harwich.

Richard added: “Historic Harwich is the gift that keeps on giving and I am sure we will soon have another project underway.

“We are blessed in having so many historic buildings to enjoy and our pub heritage is an important part of that.  Hopefully, this series of books has helped bring that to life.”