THE FINAL book has been added to Harwich’s ‘Little Pub’ book series with its creators saying the years-long project has helped bring to life the town’s history.

Harwich Historians Richard Oxborrow, Harry Black and Lewis Peake created the 'Little Pub' series in the pandemic so drinkers can find out more about the hostelry and history of the pubs they are enjoying.

The three historians said doing the research for their project over the past few years has “thrown up surprises” and shown “little gems of information when least expected” – but the trio are also “used to” surprises whenever they start digging into Harwich’s history.

The ninth, and final, book in the series tells the story The Swan on King’s Head Street, with Richard Oxborrow adding: “The Swan has proved to be another fascinating pub to research and, having been built as a magnificent mansion for one of Harwich’s original council members elected in 1604, it has been a pub under four different pub signs.”

The book will be launched at the King’s Head Street Christmas market on Sunday November 24, with copies also being available in the Ha’penny Pier Visitor Centre and the Harwich Town Museum.

Previous ‘Little Pubs' books have featured the Stingray and Crown Post, the Hanover, New Bell, Alma Inn, the Samuel Pepys, British Flag and the Globe.

While most recently in October, the eighth book on Shakers Bar, formerly known as the Elephant and Castle, was released which included history about a licensing scandal and an attempt to have it closed by temperance activists.

Trail - Samuel Pepys Chef Tommy holding a Little Pub Book in April ahead of the Harwich Ale TrailTrail - Samuel Pepys Chef Tommy holding a Little Pub Book in April ahead of the Harwich Ale Trail (Image: Richard Oxborrow) The nine books can also create a pub crawl across Historic Harwich, with the fourth and seventh books being released in time for the Harwich Ale Trail to target visitors to the town.

Mr Oxborrow added: “Historic Harwich is the gift that keeps on giving and I am sure we will soon have another project under way.

“We are blessed in having so many historic buildings to enjoy and our pub heritage is an important part of that.  Hopefully, this series of books has helped bring that to life.”