Owners of The Fountain, in Tuddenham, near Ipswich, excited over historic finds that could tell its story through the centuries
The owners of a popular pub near Ipswich have unearthed a treasure trove that could take them on a journey through the centuries.
The Fountain, in Tuddenham St Martin, is undergoing a refurbishment to modernise the building while retaining some of its original 16th century features.
Husband and wife team Ruth and Tom Carroll wanted to ensure the history of the building was celebrated with its new look.
What they did not expect to find was evidence of this history in written form.
Last week, Phil Wright, an electrician, discovered a series of documents relating to The Fountain, including deeds, letters, indentures and lease contracts.
Within this bundle is the journey the pub has been on over four centuries, from the 1640s to the 1940s.
Ruth said: “It was quite an emotional thing to uncover. It’s very exciting to think we are the latest set of people on this long journey the pub has been on.
“These documents are so beautiful so we’re keen to learn from them and for people to be able to see them.
“We’re not even sure just how old the pub is so it’ll be interesting to truly learn the its story and its role within this lovely village, so everyone who comes in can understand its place in history.”
Ruth said the documents had gathered interest from a local historian and a lecturer at the University of Suffolk, who she hoped could decipher them.
The team hoped to frame some of them, but were also keen to donate them to a museum of Suffolk Archives for future generations to enjoy.
One of the letters was even signed by John Cobbold Esquire, a member of Ipswich’s famous brewing family.
Ruth said: “To think, in another 400 years, no one will be looking through old emails to learn our stories. It’s sad to think that we might lose physical pieces of history such as these documents.
“We’d be more than happy if anyone would like to help us with our research and uncover what these documents truly tell us.”
Tom and Ruth took over The Fountain in 2022.
They also run The Turk’s Head, in Hasketon, near Woodbridge, and The Catherine Wheel in Albury, Hertfordshire.
Ruth said the couple’s ethos was to buy village pubs that sit as the heart of their communities.
When they first visited The Fountain, they fell in love with it instantly, she noted.
She added: “Our aim is to operate independent pubs that serve the local community.”
