The Luttrell Arms
Dunster, Somerset, England.
All to often "old" hotels and inns overstate their actual age, and quite often when the very fabric of the building is patently of no particular antiquity whatsoever. However, such an accusation could never be levelled at the Luttrell Arms in north Somerset. After all, the English Heritage text which underpins its notable Grade II* listed status makes clear that it is "late 15th century/early 16th century" with later alterations in the 17th and 18th centuries.
It is therefore quite probable that some of the existing structure takes in parts of three houses which were recorded as standing on the site in 1443. Indeed, it is from these that the present inn takes its name, with two of the aforementioned properties reputedly having been sold to a Richard Luttrell at that time. As such, we can only suppose quite how ancient some of the existing building must actually be, not least given that it was supposed to have been used as a guest house by the Abbots of Cleeve during the medieval period.
As regards famous names from history who may have partaken of its hospitality? Alas, little information is available, and we can only assume which historic travellers passed through its doors. However, in Terry Townshend's splendid Once Upon A Pint: A Reader's Guide to the Literary Pubs & Inns of Dorset & Somerset it is suggested that the Luttrell Arms is the inspiration for one of the inns in the 1881 novel A Laodicean. As such we can assume with reasonable confidence that its author, Thomas Hardy, knew the place well.
The Luttrell Arms features 28 guest bedrooms in total, although history enthusiasts would do well to stay in one of its four-poster suites. Moreover, anyone planning on exploring Exmoor with their dog will no doubt be pleased to learn that the hotel is very pet friendly (for a small additional charge)
See the Historic Hotels in Somerset index
It is therefore quite probable that some of the existing structure takes in parts of three houses which were recorded as standing on the site in 1443. Indeed, it is from these that the present inn takes its name, with two of the aforementioned properties reputedly having been sold to a Richard Luttrell at that time. As such, we can only suppose quite how ancient some of the existing building must actually be, not least given that it was supposed to have been used as a guest house by the Abbots of Cleeve during the medieval period.
As regards famous names from history who may have partaken of its hospitality? Alas, little information is available, and we can only assume which historic travellers passed through its doors. However, in Terry Townshend's splendid Once Upon A Pint: A Reader's Guide to the Literary Pubs & Inns of Dorset & Somerset it is suggested that the Luttrell Arms is the inspiration for one of the inns in the 1881 novel A Laodicean. As such we can assume with reasonable confidence that its author, Thomas Hardy, knew the place well.
The Luttrell Arms features 28 guest bedrooms in total, although history enthusiasts would do well to stay in one of its four-poster suites. Moreover, anyone planning on exploring Exmoor with their dog will no doubt be pleased to learn that the hotel is very pet friendly (for a small additional charge)
See the Historic Hotels in Somerset index
Online Booking and Reviews for The Luttrell Arms
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The Luttrell Arms Hotel
32 - 36 High Streer Dunster Somerset TA24 6SG 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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