The Dolphin Inn Woburn

 
5-6 Bedford Street in March 2007

Dolphin Inn: possibly 5-7 Bedford Street

This inn is known only from licensees being mentioned in the register of dues owed to the Vicar of Woburn for premises in the parish. The inn was short lived, seemingly in operation from about 1785 to about 1796. From the position it occupies in the list and comparisons taken forward to the 1802-1828 parish dues book and Thomas Evans' survey of 1821-2 the inn seems to have occupied the modern 5-6 and/or 7 Bedford Street.  These premises were given listed building status by Department of Environment in 1961 when they were considered to be early 18th century (perhaps rebuilt after the fire of Woburn of June 1724 which claimed 39 houses). Both 5-6 and 7 had later 19th century re-workings. In 1927 the premises were valued under the 1925 Rating Valuation Act when it was noted that number 5 and number 7 both had a cellar

7 Bedford Street (left of the yard entrance) in March 2007

List of Sources Held at Bedfordshire & Luton Archives & Records Service:

- P118/3/1: parochial dues: 1785-1796;
- P118/28/2: parochial assessment book: 1802-1833;
- R1/78: Thomas Evans' map accompanying R2/69: 1821;
- R2/69: Detailed survey of Woburn made by Thomas Evans for the Duke of Bedford: 1822

List of Licensees: note that this is not a complete list. Italics indicate licensees whose beginning and/or end dates are not known:

1785-1790: John Jefferies;
1791: Mrs.Jefferies;
1795: Edward Webb
Public House closed 1796