Wickham Market’s Lost Pub – The Volunteer

The Volunteer Inn’s address was 163 High Street, Wickham Market.
This old pub holds a rich history that reflects the evolution of the village and its community. It was once a bustling public house and baker’s shop, serving as a hub for social and commercial activity in the village.
Early History and Origins
The Volunteer Inn is believed to have been rebuilt in the 17th century on the site of an older house. Its historical significance lies in its role as a gathering place for locals and workers, particularly those employed at the nearby Iron Works. Its location opposite the Iron Works gate and offices made it a convenient spot for refreshments and socialising.
The Name and Its Legacy
The name “The Volunteer” is a nod to the Wickham Market Volunteer Force, established in 1848. This force gained prominence during the Franco-Prussian War and the Siege of Paris in 1870, when the French were replaced by the German First Reich as potential adversaries. The Volunteer Inn became a popular meeting place for members of the Volunteer Force, which included men from surrounding villages such as Hacheston, Campsea Ashe, and Marlesford. After drills at the Assembly Hall (behind The White Hart), volunteers would gather at the inn, making it a lively and bustling establishment.
A Dual Role: Public House and Baker’s Shop
Throughout the 19th century, The Volunteer served as both a public house and a baker’s shop, catering to the needs of the growing population. Census records and directories provide a glimpse into its history:
1841-1855: Jonathan Flory and George Thurkettle operated the premises as a baker’s shop.
1871-1881: George Hill served as the publican, beer retailer, and baker, reflecting the establishment’s dual role.
1912: Edwin Rogers continued the tradition as a beer retailer and baker.
1937: Robert Clears Fordham managed The Volunteer as a confectioner and baker.
The inn’s popularity coincided with the rise of the Iron Works in Wickham Market, which brought a surge of workers to the area. The workers’ thirst, combined with the Volunteer Force’s social activities, made The Volunteer a thriving establishment during this period.
Local newspapers from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries frequently mentioned The Volunteer Inn in the context of community events and gatherings. Reports note that the inn was a favoured venue for volunteer meetings and social evenings, often hosting celebrations marking local milestones and charitable efforts. One article from 1887 described a lively evening at the inn following a Volunteer Force parade, highlighting camaraderie among villagers and workers. Another report from 1920 described the inn’s role in supporting charitable fundraising for families affected by industrial accidents, further illustrating its importance as a social anchor in Wickham Market.
Closure and Transformation
By the 1960s, The Volunteer Inn had closed its doors as a public house, marking the end of an era. In the 1970s, the building briefly operated as an antique shop before being converted into private residences. By 1990, The Volunteer had become two private houses, 163 and 163A High Street.
Legacy
Although The Volunteer Inn no longer serves as a public house, its historical significance remains an integral part of Wickham Market’s heritage. It stands as a reminder of the village’s vibrant community life during the 19th and early 20th centuries, when it was a bustling hub for workers, volunteers, and locals.