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History

The Saracens Head is a Grade II listed building, parts of which are believed to date from the 16th Century. The Lounge Bar has an interesting ceiling of crossed beams, plus a dragon beam in the southwest corner, The beams have multiple beak and roll mouldings, which indicate the 16th Century date.

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The Building was originally the hall of the Weaver Guilds. Linen sales would have taken place here which would account for the strength of the ceiling to enable the linen stocks to have been stored in the rooms ahead. Right through to the 18th Century, there is evidence of a very considerable Hempen - Linen weaving industry in and around Diss.

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This was mostly domestic, but George Womack who employed several journeymen and apprentices had his premises adjoining The Saracens Head and bowling green - Now a public car park. Until quite recently a poultry sale was held in what is now a pub garden and car park.

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The outside of The Saracens Head has elaborate Victorian carved heads. These are obviously of a later date and the many angles and levels of the roofs indicate that parts have been added over the years.

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Upstairs on the first floor, there are also several different levels - no you haven't had too much drink! The floors are sloping! The Saracens Head has been a Public house since at least 1793 as entries in the Kellys Directory tell us that the first landlord was Mr Samuel Holmes. In the 1878 census, Charles Easto was the landlord and he advertised: *Family and Commercial Hotel - Wines and Spirits of the best quality - Well aired Beds - Moderate charges "A boast that still holds good today! To book accommodation or reserve a table in The Saracens Head, please telephone 01379 652853 to reserve your room/table.

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