History

Although the old 16th Century sign depicting a parrot sitting on a punchbowl has been replaced by a more modern sign and the thatched roof of the old inn has gone, much remains of the old ‘Aldringham Parrot’ to remind visitors of its antiquity. It was built around 1576 when it was called ‘The Case is Altered’. The name was changed to its present title when it became the property of the Kemp family in 1604. This family occupied the premises without a break until 1831. Its chief interest lies however in its association with the smugglers of the 17th century, when Aldringham was the centre of these activities. Many stories are told of the adventures of the Aldringham smugglers and their contraband spirits, tobacco and lace and of their many rough collisions with the Excise officers and dragoons who were stationed on the nearby coast. The last capture at the Aldringham Parrot by the Excise Officers was of 300 tubs of smuggled gin! There was little sentiment and often death on both sides. Indeed, rumour has
it that, to this day, a tunnel survives leading from The Parrot to Aldringham Church, once also connected with the smuggling trade.
And, when you leave our hostelry, tarry a while outside and seek out the flat stone to the left of the door. Once a mounting block, folklore has it that a poor unfortunate shepherd met an untimely death there, his skull later found in a pond now gone from the back of the property.

Rest assured though that we are much friendlier these days...especially if you’d like to buy some gin!

We hope you will visit us!

Tel 01728-830221 for reservations.