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Nice article in the Sunday Times mag. Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem was thought of as the oldest, and I visited a few times on that, but they say it's not even the oldest in Nottingham. They say the Henry Tudor in Shrewsbury which is actually the original building (1426) There's a pub in Amersham that many say is the oldest - been there but can't remember the name. No flat-roofers there. The oldest in our vicinity must be Ye Olde White Harte in Barnes. Anyone know any contenders. They'll all be gone soon the way things are going.
The Lamb Inn in Eastbourne is a lovely pub and reputedly dates back to 1180. Sells lots of Harvey's ales and also has a well in it on the way to the toilets. Luckily it's covered with glass to avoid inadvertent falls.
There's quite a few pubs that go back to the Anglo-Saxon age. The Old Ferry Boat Inn, St Ives, Cambridgeshire reportedly dates back to 560 AD although there's no written evidence of this, but the inn is mentioned in Domesday Book and according to locals is haunted by Juliet Tewsley, a ghost who appears annually on the anniversary of her death by hanging herself after a narrow home defeat in the last minute in 1050 (+3). The Porch House, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cotswolds dates from 947 AD, and features a 16th-century stone fireplace with “witch marks” intended to ward off evil spirits who often appear dressed in Chelsea kits (ok, I made that last bit up). Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem in Nottingham – claims to have been established in 1189 AD, but as you say there's definitely ones as old, if not older ones there, for example, Ye Olde Salutation Inn, which sits on a network of caves and is believed to date back to the 9th century. It is also, inevitably, reputedly one of the most haunted pubs in England. The Royal Standard of England, Beaconsfield, also documented in Domesday Book as The Ship Inn in 1086, is considered one of the most likely candidates for the oldest pub still in operation, whilst Ye Olde Fighting Cocks (stop it), St Albans claims to date back to 793 AD. The George in Southwark has the oldest documented claim in Town (1542), but the Prospect of Whitby also claims to be older (1520), as does The Cheshire Cheese (1538). Ye Olde Mitre (1546) and Ye Olde Cock Tavern (1549) also date from the 1540s.
[Post edited 23 Aug 22:27]
Ye olde fighting cocks in shortens always claimed to be the oldest and was my “local” from 16 years old - I was tall so no need for ID in the 80s - cracking pub and very good beer garden - I’ve not been back in a while and there was a rumour it was going to close which would be a massive shame
Rye in Sussex is a good place to go for old pubs. I've not got exact dates but The Old Bell and the Mermaid have been around a very long time and have hidden smugglers tunnels running between them apparently. I was in the Ypres Castle Inn a few weeks ago which feels very old but is merely 17th century but great! The Waterworks micropub is not an old pub but is situated in a very old toilet and you can purchase such beers such as 'Urinal Best Bitter' and 'Pissoir Porter' Highly recommend also!
The Mermaid is a truly wonderful place which takes you back in time without the need of a tardis. Its cellars date back to the mid-12th century and most of the current building from 1420, with Tudor additions in the 16th century.
The Seven Stars in Carey Street (behind the Law Courts) has been around for a while too (unsubstantiated claims that it survived the Great Fire of London!).
Whatever the truth of the matter it’s a wonderful old boozer (nice grub too care of ‘Alewife of the Ages’ Roxy Beaujolais) and one that I return to from time to time after an hour or two in the wonderful Sir John Soane’s Museum round the corner in Lincoln’s Inn Fields.
The Lamb Inn in Eastbourne is a lovely pub and reputedly dates back to 1180. Sells lots of Harvey's ales and also has a well in it on the way to the toilets. Luckily it's covered with glass to avoid inadvertent falls.
Good shout, Hampton. I’ve got an elderly aunt in Eastbourne who I visit from time to time. The Lamb Inn sounds like it might make the trip a bit more interesting!
The Seven Stars in Carey Street (behind the Law Courts) has been around for a while too (unsubstantiated claims that it survived the Great Fire of London!).
Whatever the truth of the matter it’s a wonderful old boozer (nice grub too care of ‘Alewife of the Ages’ Roxy Beaujolais) and one that I return to from time to time after an hour or two in the wonderful Sir John Soane’s Museum round the corner in Lincoln’s Inn Fields.
This X thread supersedes the article I attached from HE. In it he seems pretty confident in naming one building as Britain’s oldest boozer. Perhaps you should get in contact with James as I am merely the middle man here!
[Post edited 23 Aug 23:39]
Fascinating stuff - thanks for sharing. I'm personally convinced by James' argument that anything claiming Anglo-Saxon roots is basically unproveable, so we're heavily reliant on scraps of written info and/or dendrochronology (dating of wood by tree rings) - James is a buildings archaeologist and so tends to favour this method, but it only gives us a rough and ready date. Following this, he concludes that the George in Somerset (as you mention) has a good claim to be one of the oldest (the problem with the George is you can't drink in the old bit, but get shunted into a barn at the back, which rather ruins it for me), but he also suggests that the New Inn in Gloucester is just as old (worth a visit btw, as the most well-preserved medieval courtyard inn in the country), and admits that these are probably only the tip of the iceberg as more medieval pubs' beams get dated - lots of arguments still to come, I fear.
In an academic article James wrote a couple of years back he says this: 'But perhaps it is time to move on from redundant arguments as to where the oldest pub in the British Isles. It is surely more important to measure pubs on the quality of service and atmosphere, while continuing to conserve and appreciate such historic buildings as fine community assets.' I agree!
Fascinating stuff - thanks for sharing. I'm personally convinced by James' argument that anything claiming Anglo-Saxon roots is basically unproveable, so we're heavily reliant on scraps of written info and/or dendrochronology (dating of wood by tree rings) - James is a buildings archaeologist and so tends to favour this method, but it only gives us a rough and ready date. Following this, he concludes that the George in Somerset (as you mention) has a good claim to be one of the oldest (the problem with the George is you can't drink in the old bit, but get shunted into a barn at the back, which rather ruins it for me), but he also suggests that the New Inn in Gloucester is just as old (worth a visit btw, as the most well-preserved medieval courtyard inn in the country), and admits that these are probably only the tip of the iceberg as more medieval pubs' beams get dated - lots of arguments still to come, I fear.
In an academic article James wrote a couple of years back he says this: 'But perhaps it is time to move on from redundant arguments as to where the oldest pub in the British Isles. It is surely more important to measure pubs on the quality of service and atmosphere, while continuing to conserve and appreciate such historic buildings as fine community assets.' I agree!
[Post edited 24 Aug 13:58]
I agree but, as you state, as more detective work takes place and science is applied I’m sure the argument will rumble on especially if licencee’s can spot a business opportunity out of it!
Good shout, Hampton. I’ve got an elderly aunt in Eastbourne who I visit from time to time. The Lamb Inn sounds like it might make the trip a bit more interesting!
Just don't go to the curry house next door. It got a zero star hygiene rating last year!
I agree but, as you state, as more detective work takes place and science is applied I’m sure the argument will rumble on especially if licencee’s can spot a business opportunity out of it!
‘Rudest Landlord/Landlady’ is one such ‘business opportunity’. In London that accolade was often claimed by the late Norman Balon, mine host at Soho’s Coach and Horses.
Another contender, in my experience, was the landlady at the Tan Hill Inn, Britain’s highest pub (the one prone to week-long lock-ins when it snows), in West Yorkshire.
Arriving there in the company of my three Citeh (and one Liverpool) mates at the end of a gruelling day on the Pennine Way, having climbed over two sheep blocking the entrance, we were greeted with a cheery, “Oh, that’s all I f*cking need. Another bunch of f*cking walkers”.
A bit off topic but I thought thread readers would be interested in this:
Problems brewing for the proper pint as Camra membership falls. Cost of living has hit campaign group while multinationals are threatening to squeeze out independent breweries. https://www.theguardian.com/li
Worrying times for the ale drinker.
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Ye Oldest Pub (n/t) on 20:19 - Aug 24 with 1251 views
A bit off topic but I thought thread readers would be interested in this:
Problems brewing for the proper pint as Camra membership falls. Cost of living has hit campaign group while multinationals are threatening to squeeze out independent breweries. https://www.theguardian.com/li
Worrying times for the ale drinker.
Yes, a worry. If I enter a pub before say 2 or 3 o'clock, I ask if they've pulled any of the ales up. They're usually honest and if it's no, I have Guinness. I imagine the likes of Adnams and Harvey's will be safe. Others, less so.
A bit off topic but I thought thread readers would be interested in this:
Problems brewing for the proper pint as Camra membership falls. Cost of living has hit campaign group while multinationals are threatening to squeeze out independent breweries. https://www.theguardian.com/li
Worrying times for the ale drinker.
Bit concerning, that, but thanks for posting.
I do like a challenge though so I will now make an effort to re-double my real ale consumption, starting with a trip to the King Charles I pub, King’s Cross, which, to my eternal shame, I’d never previously heard of (assuming I pass the ‘no w*ankers’ test, detailed on their website, of course!)
BTW, isn’t there a ‘Cask/Real Ale’ thread for this sort of thing somewhere?
Sorry, but it just isn't, or, at the very least, it's highly unlikely (earliest evidence 1622). I'd send you links but reading this thread alone just might persuade you?
A bit off topic but I thought thread readers would be interested in this:
Problems brewing for the proper pint as Camra membership falls. Cost of living has hit campaign group while multinationals are threatening to squeeze out independent breweries. https://www.theguardian.com/li
Worrying times for the ale drinker.
Yup, sad times - the 'youngsters' just drink Peroni (lfw quizzical emoji). Another sign of the end of civilisation. Enjoy it while you can.
At a bit of a tangent - there's an obit in the Times for Peter Webber who ran the Pig's nose ( great name), in Somerset. When he took over the punters were farmers and fishermen but he turned it into a rock venue with big names inc AC/DC, Yardbirds etc. I'd never heard of it.
At a bit of a tangent - there's an obit in the Times for Peter Webber who ran the Pig's nose ( great name), in Somerset. When he took over the punters were farmers and fishermen but he turned it into a rock venue with big names inc AC/DC, Yardbirds etc. I'd never heard of it.
We do like a tangent (and an obit). Another one for the ‘to do’ list.
My Wolves mate gave me his Times vouchers last week as he was going on holiday and couldn’t use them. This prompted me to actually remember to redeem one of them this morning.
The chap concerned sounds quite a character. Saw the pub listed for sale in the local rag, apparently, and went down with his missus to check it out. They got pissed and decided to buy it there and then. There’s even a Wishbone Ash mention in the piece which TedH might appreciate!
I spent a very agreeable evening last month in a lovely spot In Yorkshire, the Bingley Arms, in a tiny village called Bardsey. The place, which dates from the 17th century, claims something quite remarkable, namely, continuous operation as a drinking establishment since 953AD. A little research this morning suggests that, unlike many pubs claiming Saxon origins such as the Fighting Cocks and Olde Trip to Jerusalem, whose claims fall apart under scrutiny, its case is pretty strong. For starters, there's impeccable written evidence from medieval times that refer to earlier grants and establishments referencing the 'alehouse at Bardsey' which reach back to the 10th century, and various property histories compiled in the 13th and 14th centuries that mention the 'Bardsey brewhouse' as an ancient establishment. The site was on important routes, near religious establishments, in an area of sustained settlement (loads of Anglo-Saxon finds). So, the pub's claim is modest and specific - it doesn't claim that the current structure is Anglo-Saxon, just that there's been a drinking establishment on this site since then - a defensible position imo. That the place doesn't over-claim in its marketing material, which carefully distinguishes what is known and what isn't, for me strengthens their case rather than weakens it - when a place admits what it doesn't know, I'm more inclined to trust it.
A bit off topic but I thought thread readers would be interested in this:
Problems brewing for the proper pint as Camra membership falls. Cost of living has hit campaign group while multinationals are threatening to squeeze out independent breweries. https://www.theguardian.com/li
Worrying times for the ale drinker.
Strangely, the FT magazine this weekend had an article (paywalled unfortunately) on a revival of interest in cask ale among younger drinkers bored of Guinness and in search of “authenticity”. They mentioned the resuscitation of moribund brews like Double Diamond. The commenters online were more sceptical…
Strangely, the FT magazine this weekend had an article (paywalled unfortunately) on a revival of interest in cask ale among younger drinkers bored of Guinness and in search of “authenticity”. They mentioned the resuscitation of moribund brews like Double Diamond. The commenters online were more sceptical…
I hope the FT is right and there is a burgeoning interest in cask ale among young people. It would certainly help the cause. However, I don't think Double Diamond would work any wonders for them.
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