Historic documents unearthed at The Fountain, in Tuddenham, near Ipswich, secure their place at Suffolk Archives
The forgotten history of a pub near Ipswich has been secured for future generations to enjoy.
Last month, SuffolkNews reported that the owners of The Fountain, in Tuddenham St Martin, unearthed a bundle of documents while renovating the building.
The finds, featuring more than 30 deeds and letters, date from 1640 to the 1940s.
The discovery, which generated significant buzz on social media and saw interest from local historians, has been taken in by Suffolk Archives for preservation.
Husband and wife team Tom and Ruth Carroll worked with Dr Vivienne Aldous, from the University of Suffolk’s history department, to explore the documents and ensure the public could view them.
Ruth said: "We were absolutely blown away by the historical documents found by our electrician during an inspection – over 30 in total.
“To see them being preserved for future generations is incredibly special.”
Tom said: "Bringing the Fountain back to life has been a labour of love, and we couldn’t have done it without our fantastic team.”
The documents will be available to view digitally at Suffolk Archives, while some will also be on display at the pub.
Detailed in the bundle is the story of the grade II-listed pub, including the building being sold by Cuthbert the Younger, a Playford blacksmith, to Ipswich beer brewer George Platt, in 1640.
The Fountain was later sold by Philip Smith to his father for £72.
In 1819, James Canham (1746 to 1835) sold The Fountain for £750 to John Cobbold, from Ipswich’s famous brewing family
Also among the discoveries was a photo from the 1940s, featuring cartoonist Giles and black GIs singing songs around a piano.
Charles Walter Parker was likely the publican at the time this photo was taken.
Dr Aldous said: "I’m absolutely thrilled that Tom and Ruth have agreed to entrust these incredible documents to Suffolk Archives.
“They offer a fascinating glimpse into the history of The Fountain and its role at the heart of village life in Suffolk.
“These records not only preserve the pub’s legacy but also open up exciting opportunities for further research and storytelling."
Tom and Ruth have confirmed that The Fountain is due to reopen on February 21.
They have been documenting the pub’s renovation on Instagram to tens of thousands of viewers, having also uncovered its original quarry stone floors.
The couple hoped the renovation would celebrate the 16th century pub’s rich history while also modernising it.
