The Rose and Crown on Wivenhoe Quay has a rich and storied past that stretches back to before 1760, when it was built on part of the garden of Garrison House. Its riverside location made it a natural hub for seafarers and maritime trade, and many of its early landlords were themselves deeply tied to the sea—shipmasters, sailmakers, and yacht stewards among them.

In the 1800s, the pub thrived as a social and commercial centre. It hosted numerous auction sales of boats and maritime equipment, and even served as the registration point for the River Colne fishing smack races between 1782 and 1793. Interestingly, many of the pub’s licensees were women who took over after their husbands passed away, running the establishment with resilience and skill.

The Rose and Crown also had strong London connections—several landlords were born or married in London, and the capital drew both staff and patrons. One charming anecdote tells of a Wivenhoe local who, overwhelmed by the bustle of Liverpool Street Station, immediately turned around and caught the next train home.

The building itself is Grade II listed, with much of its structure dating to the mid-19th century. It features a hipped slate roof, sash windows, and distinctive bay and bow windows that overlook the quay.

It’s a place where history lingers in the beams and bricks—still welcoming visitors today, just as it did centuries ago.