The Porch House, Cotswolds: One of England’s Oldest Inns
Originally built in 975 AD, the Porch House in the Cotswolds is reputed to be England's oldest inn (others claim this title too).
The ancient inn is situated in the historic market square of Stow-on-the Wold, the highest Cotswold town.
Many original features remain inside The Porch House, including twisting crooked staircases, roaring open fires and low slung ceilings.
The inn has a long and chequered history.
The Porch House is believed to have been founded by the Saxon Duke of Cornwall, Athelmar, in 947 AD and was subsequently run by the Knights Hospitallers.
At that time it would have been timber framed with five bays facing Well Lane.
After the dissolution of the monasteries in 1536, it was enlarged in stone and the porch was added by Thomas Shellard in 1615.
It is well protected as evidenced by the witch marks above the 16th century fireplace in the dining room, put there to ward off evil spirits.
It was originally a hospice, and then an inn, possibly with a dog fighting pit, and eventually a hotel, formerly known as The Royalist.
It is thought that, in medieval times, this area of the town would have been renowned for popular blood sports such as dog fighting, badger baiting and cock fighting.
During alterations, a three feet deep pit was found under what is now the restaurant.
This would have been outside the original wooden building and a good site for blood sports.
One of the bedrooms has a curious plaster frieze carved with mythical beasts and medallions of lions heads.
One theory is that this is a medieval ‘houris’ frieze dating from the time of the crusades.
It is believed to be from the same mould as one in Chastleton House, which dates to the 17th century, and ties in with the alterations to the building by Thomas Shellard in 1615.
The inn was sympathetically refurbished in 2013 and has thirteen individually styled bedrooms.
All the bedrooms are equipped to a high standard and WiFi is available throughout.
Guests have a choice of cosy authentic bars, with exposed stonewalls and log fires, for casual dining. The award-winning restaurant is very well appointed and the unmissable breakfast features lots of local produce.
The thirteen rooms available consist of single, twin and double rooms.
Their food menus are about simple, yet robust cooking using the best locally sourced ingredients where possible.
Previously two buildings, there's plenty of choice for where to sit to enjoy your meal.
You can dine in the conservatory, bar area, dining room, or garden. Walk in, have a wander round, and choose a table that suits!
On TripAdvisor, one recent visitor said: “Cracking place to stay, olde worlde charm with all the comforts of modern life.
”The rooms are warm and cosy, the beds big and fluffy and showers with plenty of hot water. Breakfast was fabulous with most excellent service.
”All in all a perfect home away from home, many thanks.”
Another person added: “Stayed at this hotel for two nights when visiting the local heritage railway for their end of season gala and also the Hook Norton brewery.
”The public rooms were excellent and warm and well maintained. The bar had a great selection of beers and the restaurant food and service were very good.
”Our room (5) was on the top floor and was spotless and comfortable.
”I would recommend taking small suitcases as there are several flights of steep and narrow staircases typical of an old building. The bed and pillows were very comfortable.
”There is no parking at the hotel but street parking was not an issue. Failing that there is a car park by The Bell a short walk from the hotel.”
Each room includes a TV and a Nespresso coffee machine.
In the mornings, The Porch House offers full cooked breakfast and a morning newspaper. Tea, coffee and toast can be served in the rooms upon request.
Check out more photos of The Porch House beautiful pub below:
Oh, and the pub is dog-friendly too!
It’s a beautiful listed building, that ranks amongst the top 4 percent of protected buildings in the country!
If you’d like to visit, the address is: 1 Digbeth St, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cheltenham GL54 1BN.
Stow-on-the-Wold
The historic Inn is situated in Stow-on-the-Wold.
At nearly 800ft, Stow is the highest of the Cotswold towns, located on the Roman Fosse Way and at the point where several roads meet.
The Market Square is large and impressive and testifies to the town’s former importance.
It is surrounded by town houses, independent shops, antique centres, cosy cafes and inns all built in the mellow local stone.
The Market Square has been the focus of town life over many centuries, with the medieval market stocks at one end, the ancient market cross at the other.
It has a long history and had a special importance in the English Civil War - the Battle of Stow on the Wold, fought at nearby Donnington in 1646, saw the defeat of the last royalist field army.
St Edward’s Church, was used as a prison for the defeated Royalist troops, as it was the only lockable building in the town.
Some of the damage sustained at this time can still be seen today and in the churchyard is the tombstone of Captain Hastings Keyte, who died at the battle.
St Edwards church is also famous for its‘Tolkienesque’ North Door flanked by two ancient yew trees, supposedly the inspiration for the 'Doors of Durin' in the Lord of the Rings.
Not far away from the town centre are the old wells in Well Lane where you can view the ramparts of an Iron Age fort.
Twice a year, in May and October travellers gather from all over the country to meet on the outskirts of town, with lots of horses, ponies and Romany caravans.
It’s a lovely place to explore - and it’s a popular tourist destination.
But, like many towns and villages in the Cotswolds, it can get busy during the holidays!
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