Tree-Ring Study Identifies England’s Oldest Pub, Experts Say

Claims about Britain’s oldest pub are often dismissed as little more than clever marketing designed to attract curious tourists and boost takings.

But The George Inn in Norton St Philip, Somerset, could have the evidence to support its historic distinction. An archaeologist has examined the tree rings preserved in the pub’s timber frame, helping to establish its age.

Historic England says the inn has been serving customers for more than 600 years. It was commissioned by Carthusian monks from nearby Hinton Priory.

The building was created to house merchants visiting the monastery’s markets and fairs, making it an important part of the medieval local economy.

Building archaeologist Dr James Wright said numerous pubs claim to be the oldest in the country, but many of those stories are rooted in “myth” rather than verifiable evidence.

In The George Inn’s case, surviving documents and its timber construction indicate that the original building dates to the late 14th century. It was later enlarged sometime between 1430 and 1432.

The argument over England’s oldest pub has become so contentious that Guinness World Records stopped recognising an official title in 2000.

Even so, Dr Wright believes the available evidence strongly supports The George Inn’s claim to be the country’s oldest pub.

“Most of what you’ve heard about the oldest pubs in England are myths,” he said.

“There are many, many claims to be the oldest pub in the country, yet very few are supported by evidence.

“To find the real evidence, we have to examine the fabric of these buildings and trace the story of the people who constructed them. That trail leads us to Norton St Philip in Somerset.”

According to Dr Wright, the pub’s stonework and timber frame show that it has remained in “continuous” service for more than six centuries.

“The George Inn was established in the 14th century by the monks of nearby Hinton Priory,” he said. “It was a savvy money-making exercise, and the paperwork confirms this.

“The final piece of the puzzle is the tree-ring dating, which allows us to establish scientifically how old the timbers are.

“Medieval carpenters did not leave timber lying around. They felled trees while the wood was still green and usually began construction almost immediately, meaning the felling date provides a close estimate for when the building was constructed.”

‘And in terms of the timber work… we know that this dates from between 1430 and 1432. 

‘In history memories can fade and stories can be embellished, but the science pinpoints the archaeological development of the George Inn.

‘We’re not guessing at its age – now that’s the difference between a local legend and a national treasure.’ 

A spokesman for Historic England said: ‘The dates painted on pub signs can be inaccurate, and when evidence is missing, imagination often fills the gaps.

‘Building archaeologist Dr James Wright believes the George Inn in Norton St Philip, Somerset, has the strongest claim to being England’s earliest surviving purpose-built inn, an early type of public house.

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‘The George Inn – Norton St Philip 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. 

‘The inn’s builders then added many structures in the 15th century, including the timber-framed front and roof, using timber felled between 1430 and 1432.’ 

Ye Olde Fighting Cocks in St Albans once held the Guinness World Record for the country’s oldest boozer. But it was discovered that while the building dated to the 16th century, there was only a record of it being a pub as late as 1756. 

Medieval inns differed from alehouses, which served ale, and taverns, which served wine.

Inns offered a wider range of services, including accommodation, food, drink and facilities for travellers’ horses and belongings.

 …and the pubs which claim to be the oldest – but are not

Many pubs around Britain claim to be the oldest in the land – but most are not. Here are some boozers that might have exaggerated their ancient history. 

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, Nottingham

This tavern claims in bold black letters that it is the ‘oldest inn in England’. But in reality, it is likely not even the oldest in Nottingham. That accolade probably belongs to the Bell Inn – which was used as a pub by the 1630s. The Trip, on the other hand, was first referred to as a pub in 1751.

Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, St Albans 

This pub just outside of London is reputed to date to 793. In fact, the current site was only built on in 1600 and was only recorded as a pub known as the Three Pigeons in 1756. 

The Bingley Arms, Bardsey

It is claimed that this boozer near Leeds was used as a pub in 953. That would make it early medieval and some even say it is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086.

But no evidence exists of this. It was likely built in the mid-18th century.