Pubs have always been a part of our history and some of them in Suffolk have survived the test of time. 

Here are some of the oldest pubs in Suffolk and the fascinating history behind them. 

1. The Swan

Bury Mercury: The Swan has recently been named Best Spa Hotel by The Good Hotel GuideThe Swan has recently been named Best Spa Hotel by The Good Hotel Guide (Image: Andy Abbot)Where: High Street, Lavenham, CO10 9QA

Lavenham is one of the UK's best-preserved medieval villages with over 200 listed buildings. 

The Swan dates back to the 15th century and was once a coaching inn. The oak beams help the pub to keep its Tudor character. 

2. The Spread Eagle

Bury Mercury: The Spread Eagle boasts Charles Dickens as one of it's most famous regularsThe Spread Eagle boasts Charles Dickens as one of it's most famous regulars (Image: Newsquest)Where: 1-3 Fore Street, Ipswich, IP4 1JW 

The Spread Eagle dates back to 1510 and still has Tudor charm with wooden beams, wonky floors, and traditional ales. 

It is the only survivor of a group of four pubs which stood on the junction and was refurbished in 2015. 

3. The Angel Inn

Bury Mercury: The pub is bypassed by the A12The pub is bypassed by the A12 (Image: Bill Darnell)Where: 39 High Street, Wangford, NR34 8RL

A former coaching inn, the Angel Inn has been modernised throughout recent years.

It is believed the pub dates back to the 18th century and the CAMRA state that the building facade is 19th century. 

One of the earliest recorded landlords of the pub is John Botwright in 1779. 

4. Ferryboat Inn

Bury Mercury: The Ferryboat in is along the Suffolk coastThe Ferryboat in is along the Suffolk coast (Image: Google)Where: Felixstowe Ferry, Felixstowe, IP11 9RZ

The Ferryboat Inn was originally built as a home to the Ferry master in the 15th century. 

In the 16th century, it became a hostel for travellers and fishermen.

Felixstowe Ferry, where the pub can be found, has recorded buildings dating back to 1043 and the Martello tower was used to defend the area in the Napoleonic era in the early 19th century. 

5. One Bull

Bury Mercury: The One Bull stands next to the old abbey wallsThe One Bull stands next to the old abbey walls (Image: Gregg Brown)

Where: 25 Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1UZ

The One Bull is 600 years old and is one of the oldest pubs in the historic market town of Bury St Edmunds. 

Its name is believed to stem from the Latin word 'bulla' which was a papal seal used on official documents. 

Although the building dates from the 15th century, the exterior of the pub is from the 1700s.