Historic Berkshire Hotels: Littlecote, The Bear

Playground of Kings

Without doubt one of the finest buildings in Britain, and worthy of its listing in Simon Jenkins� England�s Thousand Best Houses - he describes the rooms of the medieval part of the property as �exceptional�.

It is, however, the hotel�s connection to many of England�s most notable monarchs which impresses as much as the architectural detail: Henry VIII and Jane Seymour are reputed to have courted here (their love-knot can be seen in many of the stained-glass windows), with other regal visitors such as Elizabeth I, Charles II and William III staying in later years.

Littlecote�s heritage also includes a murderous owner, William Darrell, who was brought to trial for infanticide, and the existence on site of the remains of a Roman villa (probably from the reign of Emperor Vespasian). Artefacts are on display within the house.

At The Crossroads of History

On the morning of December 8th 1688, William, Prince of Orange - later King William III - met Lords Halifax, Nottingham and Godolphin; Commissioners of James II, the last of the Stuart Kings. Over many hours they bargained, to no avail, with the man who had invaded England and launched the Glorious Revolution. By December 11th, James had fled into exile. And this momentous event in British history took place in a bedchamber of The Bear Hotel, Hungerford.

But this notable episode is a mere chapter in the history of one of England�s oldest coaching inns - the origins of the building are actually estimated to be in the 13th century. The hotel has been owned by two of Henry VIII�s wives (Catherine Parr and Anne of Cleves) with Elizabeth I thought to have been a visitor in 1601 - it is believed that one of her coachmen died at the inn.

The Bear also has connections to the English Civil War, with King Charles I having made it his headquarters prior to the Second Battle of Newbury in 1644 - a fight he would narrowly lose.

The hotel was also visited by two of the 17th century�s most notable diarists, John Evelyn and Samuel Pepys, with the latter recording having partaken of �very good troutes, eels and crayfish� there in 1668.

If you seek a monument...

He may well be responsible for some of the finest and most famous architecture in the world, but Sir Christopher Wren also designed and built his own house. Today, his family home is a renowned hotel located on the banks of the River Thames and overlooked by ramparts of Windsor Castle.

Those familiar with the works of the great architect will no doubt recognise his trademark attention to detail and determination to use only the finest of building materials.

Avoid the new... The following may not necessarily be linked to famous figures or events, but all offer accommodation in historic surroundings. Click on the links for further tariff and availability information.

Best Western George Hotel. PANGBOURNE. Former seventeenth century coaching inn. Expedia.co.uk

Burnham Beeches Hotel. BURNHAM. Originally a hunting lodge, this four-star hotel offers over 80 rooms in the main Georgian building, with further accommodation in a contemporary extension. Expedia.co.uk | Superbreak | Corus Hotels

Chequers Hotel, The. NEWBURY. Formerly a coaching inn during the 18th century, the present day hotel offers a total of 56 guest rooms. Expedia.co.uk | Superbreak

French Horn, The. SONNING. Delightfully located hotel on the banks of the River Thames. Expedia.co.uk

Mercure Castle Hotel. WINDSOR. The name is unsurprising given its location close to the main gate of the Royal residence. Superbreak

Monkey Island Hotel. Nr WINDSOR. Two hundred years old, the Monkey Island Hotel is located on its own private island. www.lastminute.com

Ramada Ye Olde Bell. HURLEY. Undoubtedly one of the oldest inns in the country, the Ye Olde Bell dates back to 1135 AD. A real national treasure. Expedia.co.uk
| LateRooms

Royal Berkshire Ramada Plaza. ASCOT. A Queen Anne mansion situated within 15 acres of landscaped grounds. Expedia.co.uk | Hotelshop | Superbreak

Taplow House. MAIDENHEAD. Built in 1751, the present Georgian house stands on the site of an older Elizabethan property which was famously a gift from King James I to Hampson, the Governor of Virginia. Expedia.co.uk

Three Swans Hotel, The. HUNGERFORD. Possibly as much as seven hundred years old, the Three Swans Hotel offers 15 guest rooms. LateRooms

Berkshire Hotels:
Find the best deal, compare prices and read what other travelers have to say at TripAdvisor