History of the King's Head
The Kings Head dates back to at least the 17th century with the earliest record dating 1632 when John Walby was inn holder. Parts survived the great fire of 1688 and there is some surviving Tudor brickwork and timbers.
The Queen's Jules - formerly Oddfellows Hall - was built in 1884 and may be on the site of the former dungeon of Bungay Castle. Local legend tells tales of an ancient warrior strolling near ruins and beautiful young woman clad in white haunting spot where her lover had been put to death in the dungeon.
The Kings Head has been host to many significant events:
- A Coronation feast was held there 1761 for George III.
- Strolling players in Bungay would perform at Kings Head until 1750's when booths were built.
- In the 18th century Kings Head held assemblies - the principal social occasions for the town
- Post Chaises were provided the King's Head to bring letters and parcels from London so people used to gather in yard to hear latest news
- Town Reeve's Dinners have traditionally been held in Oddfellows Hall. These had guest speakers including Sir Alfred Munnings and the writer Adrian Bell.
- Dick Turpin is just one of Bungay's visitors, robbing two young women of £14 they had got for corn in the winter of 1739.Others include Parson Woodforde