The Oldest pub in England isn't a pub at all but an Inn? What's the difference? Well, an Inn is usually found in the countryside and often will provide food and overnight accommodation for travellers.
Pubs generally are found in the towns and cities and in the past mainly sold just alcohol and snacks.
We went there today and it was lovely to sit and watch the river boats go by while we had a leisurely lunch. The Inn is in an old Saxon round village called Holywell near St.Ives in Cambridgeshire. They do special prices for #oldtimers on some days of the week which is nice. I do feel very lucky to live my life in such a beautiful part of the country.
The Old Ferryboat Inn it appears has been selling alcohol on the premises since 560AD, making it oldest pub in Britain. (Pub = Public House)
Take a look at these photographs and decide for yourself. This is obviously a very old collection of buildings but possibly not the original building but a series of add-ons that have been built over the centuries.
The original building was thought to have been a dovecote (bird house) and you can just imagine someone selling a bit of grog on the side to make some extra cash along with your pigeon pie.
This is the kind of food you get these days. I had Hunter's chicken.
The pub's numerous add-on buildings make it is much harder to date. The main building probably dates from the 15th century.
There are several legends attached to the pub including one about the ghost of a jilted lover Juliet Tewsley. There is a granite slab in the pub which covers her tomb. She appears every year on the anniversary of her suicide. March 17th 1050 A.D.
The other claim to fame is that King Hereward the Wake escaped from William the Conquerers forces (The Normans) after the battle of Madingley. He crossed the great river Ouse in the local ferry boat which the Inn still has permission to operate today.
What a super special inn/pub ~ In such a beautiful setting. All adding up to a wonderful day's outing @molometer.
Barbara at @barbara-orenya has just started a new tag, #beautifulday. You may like to consider joining her after your next outing. Details at BeautifulDay. Cheers. 🐋🍷🐋
Thanks for the heads up, I'll pop over and have a look at that. Sounds interesting.
The inn is set in a lovely setting and loads of history. The service was medieval as well lol
As in the waiters served you on horseback? Reminds me of a gallery I visited in Melbourne a few years ago. The artist painted very detailed imagery of magical fantasy lands ~ And hosted her gallery dressed in a long purple medieval dress. She was such a 'stunner' ~ As much as her paintings. 🍷🍒🍷
Sounds fascinating. Have you got any photos of said Maiden? that would be cool. Thanks for the outbound link, but I think it's not allowed on steemit.
The artist was Elizabeth Kyle and you can see her work at https://elizabethkyle.wordpress.com/
Fascinating place! And that looks like a delightful meal!
It was Hunter's chicken. I did say it must have been a tiny chicken lol there was hardly anything there. It was cooked well at least.
Ha! More room for dessert that way!
True but I have to look after my figure lol
Anyplace that gives the #oldtimers a break is a good place in my book! Lovely!
They do specials like two for one. And Sunday lunch half price. It's a pretty little spot to sit for the afternoon.