In the Norwich Mercury 200 years ago this week, it was advertised that the Shakespeare Tavern in Great Yarmouth was for let.
The advert read:
“THAT Old-established PUBLIC-HOUSE, in full trade, with a newly-erected Liquor Shop in front, respectably fitted up, and most pleasantly situated at the bottom of King-street, near the Market-place, Great Yarmouth, known by the Sign of the Shakspeare Tavern. The annual expences are very small. Any person commanding about £150 can take every necessary wanted in the House, including Stock and two very excellent full-sized Billiard Tables complete.
Letters (post-paid, only) will be attended to.—
Address to S. S. the present occupier, who has lived on the premises going for three years, and is about to take another situation”
The SS referred to here was Samuel Smith, although I don’t know where he went from here. The pub had opened in around 1800, but it closed in the mid 1860s and was turned into a shop.