The building dates from the late 18th century. The pub was originally a wooden hut on another site (possibly Gaymer's Lane). The name was changed from the New Inn to remember Thomas Cavendish, who was born in Trimley St Martin and in May 1588 was the first man to command a ship that deliberately circumnavigated the world (previous circumnavigators had done so accidentally). It was apparently renamed to celebrate his return to Trimley from his circumnavigation. It was renamed from the Three Mariners to the Mariners Free House in September 2015, when it passed into new ownership.