Historic Lincolnshire Hotels: The George of Stamford, The Angel and Royal

No one actually knows quite how old The George really is, but given that the building was once owned by the Abbots of Croyland it�s quite likely that its been in existence since around 950 AD.

For much of its history the hostelry was probably quite small � the building we see today incorporates parts of two religious houses which stood either side. One of these � on the south side � was �The House of The Holy Sepulchre�. This, it is said, was once owned by the Knights Hospitallers and where pilgrims en route to Jerusalem would have been entertained. Thankfully remains of this ancient hospital � much of which was destroyed during the English Civil War � remains in the crypt underneath the present day cocktail bar.

With regard to famous names who have sojourned at The George, it isn�t until the seventeenth century onwards that we find familiar figures taking respite under its roof. King Charles I stayed on March 15th 1641, during his journey to Grantham, and once again on the night of Sunday August 23rd 1645, while travelling from Newark to Huntingdon. Sir Walter Scott is said to have often stayed at The George, opining that the view of Stamford from St. Martins was "the finest twixt Edinburgh and London".�

The phrase �Steeped in History� is a cliche. But not here.

There are few buildings - let alone inns - which can claim to be so historically fascinating as The Angel & Royal. In fact, it�s a case of where to begin.

We can almost leave aside the fact that the present main facade is around 600 years old. And even that there had been a hostelry on the site two hundred years before that. This building is far, far more than merely old.

The original had been a hostel for the Brotherhood of The Knights Templar, shortly after which King John considered it a perfect venue for his Royal Court after a visit in 1213. The next notable guest - or at least for which there are records - was Edward III and his Queen, although it wasn�t until 1483 that the inn received its most famous visitor.

It was in what is known today as �The King�s Room Restaurant� - then the �Chamber de Roi� that Richard III held court. Indeed, it was from here that he dispatched the letter - now in the British Museum - proclaiming the treachery of his cousin, the Duke of Buckingham.

The hostelry was also used by Charles I in 1633, and his nemesis, Oliver Cromwell, a decade later in 1643. In fact, it is said that no fewer than seven monarchs have rested at The Angel & Royal, including George IV, Queen Victoria and Edward VII.

There are few places so remarkable.

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.

Brownlow Arms. Nr GRANTHAM. A pretty seventeenth century country inn. LateRooms

Crown Hotel, The. STAMFORD. A Georgian town house which also features accommodation in an 18th century cottage. Expedia.co.uk

Washingborough Hall Hotel. WASHINGBOROUGH. Featuring 12 unique guest rooms (including two four-posters), Washingborough Hall is a Georgian country house close to the historic city of Lincoln, but benefiting from a quiet village location. LateRooms