History:

J D Young Hotel is steeped in history, the famous painter Sir Alfred Munnings used to stay and eat here on a regular basis. Unfortunately, or perhaps most fortunately, for the owners at the time, when it came to paying his bill he usually had no money available and so always offered a gift of one of his paintings to pay his tab. His paintings are now selling at around £40,000 each at auction.

Rumour has it that Sir Winston Churchill stayed here for one night when he had a meeting with General Eisenhower. We are making more enquiries in an effort to substantiate this.

Many famous people have passed through these doors during the centuries that it has been open - so our researches continue - and we would be most grateful for any information from former Harlestonians, or historians who would care to contact us.

Historic Buildings:

Harleston is mentioned in the Doomsday Book, and is a town full of historic and traditional buildings, many dating from the 15th C. Most of them are heavily disguised with Georgian or Victorian brick frontages, but clues can be picked up by looking up at the roofs. A very steep pitch and overhanging eaves! Used to be thatched? Or a third floor with windows? But - not windows at all but clever forgeries to make us think the roof is higher! And beautiful Candlers House, mellow red brick, built in the reign of William and Mary. The town is also riddled with small alleys and passages, which are said to have originated from the walk ways between market stalls on the site of the original market which dates from the 14thC. Some of these rejoice in names such as Dragon Alley, Hope Alley, Keeleys Yard and Straight Lane.