History
The Crown is a sixteenth century coaching inn that stands proudly in the heart of Woodbridge on its main street, the Thoroughfare.
Perhaps the most famous resident of Woodbridge was Thomas Seckford (1515–1587), a prominent lawyer, politician and member of Queen Elizabeth's inner circle. Seckford’s bequests to Woodbridge were large and frequent, and it is said that many of his decisions were made following discussions in The Crown.
Jump forward to 1815 and George IV, at the time Prince Regent, was a regular visitor to Woodbridge. The Duke of Wellington and he used to visit the Marquis of Hertford at Sudbourne Hall (sadly demolished in 1953) near Aldeburgh, and would change horses at The Crown.
Carl Giles, perhaps Britain's most famous cartoonist, paid regular visits to Woodbridge after moving to nearby Ipswich in 1943. He frequented The Crown, and one day presented a signed cartoon to the landlord, which now hangs framed in the restaurant.