Building record 1933/10/1 - The Bell Inn Public House, Bell Hill

Farmhouse, now public house. Datestones RC/1598/MC, 1872 and 1042 (C19). Probably altered by E.F. Law for William Mackworth-Dolben. Squared coursed ironstone with plain-tile roof. Said to be the oldest public house in England, licence transferred to present building in early C19.

{1} Farmhouse, now public house. Datestones RC/1598/MC, 1872 and 1042 (C19). Probably altered by E.F. Law for William Mackworth-Dolben. Squared coursed ironstone with plain-tile roof. H-shape plan. 2 and 3 storeys. Main front of 6-window range. C19 three-storey gabled porch to right of centre has semi-circular arch entrance with drip mould and keystone. 4-light stone-mullion oriel window above is supported on foliated brackets. 2-light stone mullion window above with drip mould. 2-window range to left of porch has C19 two and 3-light stone-mullion windows, those at first floor are gabled dormers. Roof on 2 levels. 3-window range to right of porch has C19 single and 2-light stone-mullion windows with small gables above first floor windows. 5-light stone-mullion bow window to far right. Ashlar gable parapets and kneelers and ashlar stacks at ridge. Niche to right of porch has statue of Queen Edith, wife of Edward the Confessor. Inscription below oriel window "ER 1072 Tingdene Hostelre VR 1872", with coats of arms below. Flanking walls of porch have inscriptions "MDCCCLXXII" and "Victoria Regnante". Various carved heads and finials. Gable to rear left has datestone 1598. Rear elevation has casements under wood lintels. Interior has some chamfered ceiling beams and room to left of entrance has open fireplace with bressumer. Said to be the oldest public house in England, licence transferred to present building in early C19.

{2} Farmhouse, with datestone RC/1598/MC. H-shape plan. 2 and 3 storeys. Licence transferred in early 19th century. Datestones 1842 and 1872. Probably altered by E. F law for William Mackworth-Dolben.

{3} Bell Inn, Church Street. Ironstone building on Bell Lane with ashlar stone dressings. The building is listed and has date stones of 1598, 1842 and 1872. 19th century changes were probably conducted by EF Law for William Macksworth-Dolben. It is claimed that it is the oldest public house in England with the licence being transferred to the present building in the early 19th century. Film 5, photo 8,9.

{5} Undated photo;

<1> Clews Architects, 1980s, Database for Listing of Historic Buildings of Special Architectural Interest: Northamptonshire, 7/2 (checked) (Digital archive). SNN102353.

<2> 1986, List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest ("Greenback"), G04 p.1 (unchecked) (Catalogue). SNN100394.

<3> Ballinger J., 1999, Northamptonshire Extensive Urban Survey: Industrial Period, (checked) (Digital archive). SNN4.

<4> Ordnance Survey, 1950s/1960s, Ordnance Survey Record Cards, SP97SW(M) (checked) (Index). SNN443.

<5> Photographs of buildings in Finedon (Photographs). SNN111732.

Record last edited

Apr 22 2021 3:30PM