History: Overview

This section outlines the history of the Case and explains how it came to be owned by the local community. To start with, here’s some pictures of the interior of the pub as it was back in 2006, compared with the same views today. Click the pics for larger views.

Front Bar – As Was

Front Bar – Now

Replacing the two supporting pillars built into the front bar with steel joists built into the ceiling has been key to opening out and extending the bar area.

Rear Bar – As Was

Rear Bar – Now

The rear bar (aka the Darkside) has not changed significantly apart from the decor and a general reduction in ‘bar clutter’.

It’s been suggested that there has been a pub in Case Lane since 1736, although not necessarily in the current building. However, we believe that the Case Is Altered certainly operated out of its current premises throughout the 19th century. Here’s a link to an historic map (published 1904) showing how Bentley used to look. The display will be centred on the Case but scroll around and you should be able to spot the other Bentley pubs that used to exist: the Tankard and the Railway Tavern. Also shown is a fully operational Bentley Station and the branch line to Hadleigh. If you need more help finding these locations, click here. To find the Tankard Inn, track North West along the main road from the Case or click here. The location of the Railway Tavern can be found by tracking East from the Case along the main road, down to the level crossing or click here. Drag the ‘change transparency of overlay’ slider on the historic map to reveal aerial photography which shows the modern day landscape.

The earliest photo of the Case dates from around 1900 and you can see how the building has evolved over the years on The Changing Face of the Case page.

The pub’s name is unusual and you can read some ideas about its origins on The Pub’s Name page.

The pub has changed hands many times over the years. The Case Landlords page gives details of all the licensees dating from 1843.

The local community bought the pub in 2014 and you can read about the campaign to save the Case on The Campaign Story page.

To bring things up to date, the final page in this section outlines the impact of the Covid pandemic on the Case in The Case: Pre & Post-Covid.