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

The Angel & Royal. Grantham

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.

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The George Hotel of Stamford. Stamford.

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".
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More period and historic accommodation in Lincolnshire

Gainsborough

Hickman Hill Hotel. Grade-II listed, this highly rated hotel dates back in parts to the late 1700’s. Formerly the Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, it has been operating as a hotel for the past two decades. Expedia

Grantham

Allington Manor. Choose from the Lord’s Room, Lady’s Room or the Garden Room at this Grade-II listed Jacobean House. Dating back to around 1450, its period architecture and interior should certainly be to the liking of the heritage-traveller. Lastminute.com

Brownlow Arms. A pretty seventeenth century country inn. LateRooms

Lincoln

The Bail House. There are parts of this historic building which are reckoned to date back to 1350 when it began life as a medieval hall. Naturally, plenty of additions and enlargements have been made over the centuries, but it retains plenty of its ancient heritage. The Bail House offers both bed 7 breakfast and self-catering accommodation. LateRooms

White Hart. Situated on the Bailgate of the city, the White Hart is located midway between Lincoln’s cathedral and castle. King Richard II is said to have been an esteemed guest in 1372, an it today offers 21st century visitors accommodation which blends the historic with modern boutique. LateRooms

Stamford

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

The White Hart. Featuring six guest rooms, the White Hart is a seventeenth century inn located in the small village of Ufford (just a couple of miles to the east of Stamford). LateRooms.

Washingborough

Washingborough Hall Hotel. 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

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