The Old Bell Hotel

Malmesbury - History

The Old Bell Hotel shares much of its history, as well as its location, with Malmesbury Abbey. Indeed, its links with the Abbey date back as far as the early 13^th century and as a result it claims to be England’s oldest hotel.

Specifically, its origins date back to round 1220, when Abbot Walter Loring had a new building erected on the site to house important guests. The stone hooded fireplace inside the Great Hall dates from this period and the roof space houses wall paintings from probably the late medieval period. The building has also been open as a pub since at least 1703, originally known as the Castle, and acquiring the name the Bell Hotel in 1798. In the early 20^th century, the then owner Joseph Moore carried out extensive works, expanding the hotel significantly. Moore’s family sold off the hotel in 1930 after almost a century owning it.

Sources:-

Bowen, John. (Edited By Allnatt, Graham), A Story of Malmesbury (Hackman Print, Rhondda: 2000).

Vernon, Charles & Malmesbury Civic Trust., An Historical Guide to Malmesbury (Malmesbury Civic Trust, Chippenham: May, 2005).

Image: http://www.thebritishconnection.com/thegardentraveler/greatgardens2.html