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Norwich Merchants

St. Andrew's Hill

 1 - 3
Prior to the construction of Duke Street Bridge (c. 1822)
and Exchange Street (1828 - 1832) and the tramway
system (by 1900), this narrow and obscure by-way was
one of the principal routes from the North of the City.

It seems to have been a particular magnet for
Wine Merchants (and pubs) in the early 19th Century,
despite its alarming steepness.

 

The seven steps, at the steepest point,
were removed in 1761.

This was doubtless done under pressure from
commercial vehicle owners; but the strains placed
upon the horses do not seem to have been considered !.

2. Rose : 2a. Harman : 3. Youngman

1. : Culley, John

Culley was licensed as early as 1807, under the name
"The Tunns". In 1807 Culley was also described
as a Publican (i.e. full-timer); which was
fairly unusual, and denotes a rather important house.

An earlier licensee was named in 1806
(Susanna Prentice).
The establishment existed as early as 1802.

It is said that, in 1811, the
Trafalgar Lodge of Oddfellows
were meeting at the Three Tuns (sic) when the floor of
the upper room collapsed; but nobody was badly hurt.

By 1845 the spelling had changed to "Tuns",
but the Culley name was still quoted.
He was still listed in the 1854 Directory at the Tuns.

Also by 1845 John Culley was the owner/licensee
of the Elm Tavern in Princes Street.
He appears to have left that scene by 1854.

 

1a. : Barwell's

(Branch of)

It is possible to mis-read the situation, as Barwell's
had an important branch premises at the top of the hill
(West side), but with the address of 51 London Street.

It transpires that Culley's "Tuns" was indeed
at the very top of the hill.

Barwell's had taken over the free house by 1859.
Around 1920 they were themselves taken over by
Tollemache Ipswich Brewery.

In 1921, they sold the site to the
National & Provincial Bank for a
building now very well-known in the City.

2. : Rose, Philip & Robert :
       15 St. Andrew's Hill

Listed in 1830 as plain 'merchants';
and in 1839 as Wine & Spirit Merchants.
In 1845, the premises were known as "St. Christopher".

In the same year the Official List showed 'Rose'
as the owners of the Shakespeare in Theatre Street.

 

2a. : Harman, Leonard & Sons

Had taken over from the Rose brothers by 1854.
From April 1869 listed as George and Richard Harman.
From June 1878 listed only as George Harman.
George was listed in 1890 as a wine and spirits
and ale and porter merchant.

The St. Andrew's Hill premises closed in 1916.

George and Richard had, certainly by 1872,
taken control of the non-beer supplies of the
Shakespeare Tavern (as mentioned above).
The transfer of that pub-tie to Steward & Patteson
occurred in December 1915, which accords with
the closure date already mentioned.

By 1905 George Harman had also taken control of
the Flint House Tavern next door, at No. 13.
Not with any great success!

3. : Youngman, A. & S.

Listed in 1839 as at St.Andrew's Broad Street,
and also represented in Tombland.
By 1842 Harold Youngman was in charge, instead of
Arthur and Samuel; and the premises had become the City Arms.

This famous property was at the bottom of the Hill,
on the East corner; but was demolished to make way for
the tramway - around the turn of the Century (circa 1899).

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