The Cock Hotel
Stony Stratford, Buckinghamshire, England
The 18th and 19th centuries were the golden age of England’s coaching inns, with the small Buckinghamshire town of Stony Stratford one of the numerous stopping-off points for travellers between the north and London.
To accommodate the influx of passengers the town developed a number of inns, with the two most renowned being The Cock and The Bull. As was the custom at the time, those passing through would discuss news from different parts of the country and, over time, the two inns began a rivalry as to which had the most absurd and ridiculous tales. Hence the old phrase “Cock and Bull story”.
Quite how many great names from the past stopped here we will never know, but Charles Dickens is reputed to have partaken of refreshments at The Cock Hotel on several occasions. It is also said that the “turnaround” time was particularly short, with hungry travellers on the “Manchester Flier” having to down lunch in 25 minutes or miss the coach.
Today, this iconic old establishment offers over 30 rooms, a restaurant and bar (which, one assumes, represents some form of splendid continuity).
See the Historic Hotels in Buckinghamshire index
To accommodate the influx of passengers the town developed a number of inns, with the two most renowned being The Cock and The Bull. As was the custom at the time, those passing through would discuss news from different parts of the country and, over time, the two inns began a rivalry as to which had the most absurd and ridiculous tales. Hence the old phrase “Cock and Bull story”.
Quite how many great names from the past stopped here we will never know, but Charles Dickens is reputed to have partaken of refreshments at The Cock Hotel on several occasions. It is also said that the “turnaround” time was particularly short, with hungry travellers on the “Manchester Flier” having to down lunch in 25 minutes or miss the coach.
Today, this iconic old establishment offers over 30 rooms, a restaurant and bar (which, one assumes, represents some form of splendid continuity).
See the Historic Hotels in Buckinghamshire index
Online Booking and Reviews for The Cock Hotel
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72-74 High Street
Stony Stratford, Milton Keynes Buckinghamshire MK11 1AH Reviews and Booking. Please note that nightsinthepast.com plays no part in the actual review, booking or reservation process for The Cock Hotel or any other accommodation. Costs for maintaining and developing Nights in the Past are met solely by it being the last referring site to our partners which results in a completed reservation. |
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