HISTORIC ENGLAND IDENTIFIES THE GEORGE INN AS OLDEST PURPOSE-BUILT INN

Historic England has identified The George Inn in Norton St Philip, Somerset, as England's oldest purpose-built inn. Building archaeologist Dr James Wright said its medieval structure, historical documents and scientific dating support the claim. Experts have used tree-ring dating to examine the building and place its construction between 1430 and 1432. The account of the inn's history says it has welcomed guests for more than 600 years.

Dr Wright said monks from nearby Hinton Priory established the inn during the 14th century. He said they intended it to generate income, a purpose that surviving paperwork records. Researchers examined records concerning the people who constructed The George Inn to piece together its past. They also studied the building's stone and timber when assessing its architectural history.

Other pubs in England have claimed to be the country's oldest. Speaking outside The George Inn in a video shared on Historic England's Facebook page, Dr Wright said: "Most of what you've heard about the oldest pubs in England are myths." He said few of the competing claims have evidence to support them. Experts have also described The George Inn as England's oldest continually licensed drinking establishment, a claim about its use alongside Historic England's designation of the building.