The George Inn in Norton St Philip, Somerset, has been confirmed as England's oldest purpose-built inn after scientific timber dating placed its construction between 1430 and 1432. The building has been welcoming guests for more than 600 years, with experts pointing to its medieval origins as proof of its remarkable history.
While many other pubs have claimed to be the oldest in the country, building archaeologist Dr James Wright says much of what people have been told is based on myth rather than historical evidence.
Evidence Behind the Claim
According to Historic England, The George Inn is England's oldest purpose-built inn, with documents and scientific dating helping to establish just how far back its history goes. Dr Wright explained that examining the building itself, alongside records of the people who constructed it, has helped researchers piece together its past.
Speaking in a video shared on Historic England's Facebook page, while standing outside the pub, he said: "Most of what you've heard about the oldest pubs in England are myths."
He added: "There are many many claims to be the oldest pub in the country and yet so few of them actually have evidence to back up those claims."
Medieval Origins
Dr Wright said the evidence points to Norton St Philip, where The George Inn was established during the 14th century by monks from nearby Hinton Priory. He explained that the monks saw the inn as a way of generating income, something that can be traced through surviving historical paperwork.
Describing the building, he said: "You are now looking at the oldest purpose built inn in England."
He added: "The architectural history of The George Inn's stone and timber suggests that this building has been continuous service for over 600 years."
Scientific Dating
But it isn't just written records that help establish the pub's age. Experts have also used tree-ring dating to examine the building's medieval timber, providing a more precise indication of when parts of it were constructed.
Dr Wright explained that medieval carpenters generally worked with freshly felled timber, meaning the date the trees were cut down can offer a close estimate of when construction took place. He said: "And in terms of the timber work....we know that this dates from between 1430 and 1432."
Dr Wright concluded: "In history memories can fade and stories can be embellished, but the science pinpoints the archaeological development of the George Inn."
The George Inn was originally built in the late 14th century for the Carthusian monks of Hinton Priory to provide accommodation for merchants attending the monastery's markets and fairs. Inns provided a broader spectrum of services, encompassing accommodation, meals, beverages and provisions for travellers' horses and possessions.
