The Woodbridge Flyer January ’25 | Flyer Magazines
In this month’s edition of The Woodbridge Flyer Magazine January ’25 edition. We hear about events in Woodbridge. We also hear from local clubs and groups. We also have news from local schools, groups and clubs.
The Woodbridge Flyer Magazine January ’25
How the King of Italy Came to Woodbridge
John Grout was a celebrated figure in 19th-century England, renowned for his expertise in horses and his rise from humble beginnings. Born into modest circumstances, he began as a stable boy, working for two decades as a hostler, primarily at The Sun Inn in Woodbridge. Over time, he built a reputation for buying and selling horses, eventually establishing one of the largest single-person horse businesses in England. By the 1880s, his annual turnover equaled £2 million in today’s money.
Grout’s success was tied to his role as landlord of The Bull Hotel from 1859 to 1887. Situated on the London to Great Yarmouth coaching route, The Bull was a respected coaching inn. As steam trains replaced stagecoaches, Grout shifted his focus to horse breeding, training, and dealing. The Bull’s stabling facilities, including The Bull Ride and nearby Barrack Farm, could accommodate up to 700 horses. Remnants of this era, such as iron tethering rings, are still visible in Woodbridge.
Grout’s clientele included royalty and wealthy elites, such as the Duke of Westminster and Baroness Burdett-Coutts, as well as international figures like the Kaiser and the Viceroy of India’s representatives. Among his most prominent customers was Victor Emmanuel II, the first King of Italy, who visited The Bull in 1873 and began importing horses from Grout. After the King’s death in 1878, his successor, Umberto I, continued the relationship, maintaining the royal connection for decades.
The 1881 census highlights The Bull’s prestige, listing guests like a retired Philadelphia port captain and wealthy merchants from Russia, Austria, and Germany. Despite the lack of modern transportation, customers traveled great distances to work with Grout, a testament to his reputation.
Tragically, Grout’s life ended in 1887 in a horse-related accident on Market Hill. His management team, William and Harriet Miles, purchased The Bull and continued its operations until 1919. William Miles, a skilled horseman recommended by Edward FitzGerald, brought expertise that complemented Grout’s legacy.
FitzGerald, a famous poet and friend of Grout, entertained literary figures at The Bull, including Poet Laureate Alfred Lord Tennyson.
Grout, unimpressed with Tennyson’s equestrian knowledge, famously remarked, “He might be a very good poet, but he doesn’t know a damned thing about horses.”
In 1896, King Umberto I granted The Bull the right to display the House of Savoy coat of arms, honoring decades of service. This historical connection is being renewed today, symbolizing Woodbridge’s golden era.
The Bull is again proud to renew this important missing historical connection to its past and would like to thank the East Suffolk Council, the Planning Team and the Economic Development Team for their support in making this happen.