This page originated from a private genealogical investigation, from which I was sent the details of the Free Grammar School. As yet, there is no photograph of The Theatre, that gave the street its name and which stood opposite the buildings shown in the first photograph. The theatre was later a school, and is now an auction rooms.

93. Houses of mixed ages, including the Free Grammar School (the white building)

 

94. The Free Grammar School, set up by Thomas Arnott (or Annott) in 1577. When the school moved out in 1607, the house was purchased by Bearman, who later bequeathed it to St Mary's Church for the "towards the relief of Woodbridge."

St Mary's ran it as a Charity Workhouse under what was called Bearman's Gift. The Marks family lived there when they bought it from St Mary's Church. Daniel Marks was ''done" by the law of the day for driving a horse and cart recklessly, losing his own leg and injuring someone else. Because of the accident, he was known as 'Stump-a-down-dandy'.
Daniel had purchased the old Woodbridge Workhouse in 1867 and set up a business as a Timber Merchant and Steam Sawyers; the business lasted until around 1917/18, and he died a year later.

I am indebted to Carol and Mike Weaver, and Dorothy Woods, for the background to this historic building.

 

95. The archway. The carving has often been referred to as "battered"
but that is hardly surprising, as it may have been there for over 400 years!

 

96. Detail of the carving on the left side pillar.

 

97. Detail of the carving on the right side pillar.

 

98. When it was a public house - The Royal William -, "Chummy" Goldsmith would fire a canon in the car park every 1st August to commemorate "Minden Day," recalling the battle of Minden, fought on that date in 1759. The quotation below is from the web site of the Worcestershire regiment."

At Minden six British battalions, advancing unsupported in consequence of a mistaken order, attacked a French army of many times their strength, repulsed repeated charges of the finest cavalry in Europe, broke through the centre of the hostile line, and forced the enemy into heading retreat. With very good reason the six regiments who fought at Minden celebrate that day."

 

99. A little further along Theatre Street are two more fine houses, and then the somewhat austere building was built in 1804 as the "House of Correction". Later, it served as the town's police station (which might account for the steps leading down to Bredfield Street being named Bridwell Steps) and in 1931 was convered to private dwellings.

(Historical details extracted from "Woodbridge - a Short History & Guide" by Carol and Michael Weaver) .