The Old Ferryboat
St Ives, Cambridgeshire, England
Try as we might, we simply can't find any records relating to famous historic figures who might have passed through the doors of The Old Ferryboat. So why include it on Nights in the Past?
The answer is simple: it is without question one of the oldest pubs anywhere in the UK. Of course, there are others which vie for the hypothetical title (including The Royalist in Gloucestershire), but this picture-postcard building certainly has a colourful past that should appeal to the historian and romantic alike.
Local legend has it that the building stands on the site of the grave of a young woman called Juliet who killed herself having been forsaken in love (and was subsequently buried at the ferry crossing for the Ouse). Indeed, a stone slab in the floor of the pub is supposed to be the exact spot.
While such tales persist but will never be possible to verify, we do know that the site was be used for the sale of liquor in Anglo Saxon times. In fact, it is said that the foundations may date from as far back as the 6th century AD. However, it is important to stress that the existing building is largely 17th century, although elements of an older structure are still to be found (the English Heritage Grade II listing text describes the cross wing as being of an earlier date, while the "stop chamfered" beams hint at the late medieval period).
Today the inn offers 7 guest bedrooms, and is within easy reach of Huntingdon, St Neots, and Cambridge itself.
See the Historic Hotels in Cambridgeshire index
The answer is simple: it is without question one of the oldest pubs anywhere in the UK. Of course, there are others which vie for the hypothetical title (including The Royalist in Gloucestershire), but this picture-postcard building certainly has a colourful past that should appeal to the historian and romantic alike.
Local legend has it that the building stands on the site of the grave of a young woman called Juliet who killed herself having been forsaken in love (and was subsequently buried at the ferry crossing for the Ouse). Indeed, a stone slab in the floor of the pub is supposed to be the exact spot.
While such tales persist but will never be possible to verify, we do know that the site was be used for the sale of liquor in Anglo Saxon times. In fact, it is said that the foundations may date from as far back as the 6th century AD. However, it is important to stress that the existing building is largely 17th century, although elements of an older structure are still to be found (the English Heritage Grade II listing text describes the cross wing as being of an earlier date, while the "stop chamfered" beams hint at the late medieval period).
Today the inn offers 7 guest bedrooms, and is within easy reach of Huntingdon, St Neots, and Cambridge itself.
See the Historic Hotels in Cambridgeshire index
Online Booking and Reviews for The Old Ferryboat, Cambridgeshire
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St Ives Huntingdon Cambridgeshire PE27 4TG Reviews and Booking. Please note that nightsinthepast.com plays no part in the actual review, booking or reservation process for this 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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