The Bear
Hungerford, Berkshire, England
On the morning of December 8th 1688, William, Prince of Orange - later King William III - met Lords Halifax, Nottingham and Godolphin; Commissioners of James II. Over many hours they bargained, to no avail, with the man who had invaded England and launched the Glorious Revolution. By December 11th, James had fled into exile. And this momentous event in British history took place in a bedchamber of The Bear Hotel, Hungerford.
But this notable episode is a mere chapter in the history of one of England’s oldest coaching inns - the origins of the building are actually estimated to be in the 13th century. The hotel has been owned by two of Henry VIII’s wives (Catherine Parr and Anne of Cleves) with Elizabeth I thought to have been a visitor in 1601. The Bear also has connections to the English Civil War, with King Charles I having made it his headquarters prior to the Second Battle of Newbury in 1644 - a fight he would narrowly lose. The hotel was also visited by two of the 17th century’s most notable diarists, John Evelyn and Samuel Pepys, with the latter recording having partaken of “very good troutes, eels and crayfish” there in 1668.
Today, The Bear offers over 40 guest rooms and is pleasingly dog friendly.
See the Historic Hotels in Berkshire index
But this notable episode is a mere chapter in the history of one of England’s oldest coaching inns - the origins of the building are actually estimated to be in the 13th century. The hotel has been owned by two of Henry VIII’s wives (Catherine Parr and Anne of Cleves) with Elizabeth I thought to have been a visitor in 1601. The Bear also has connections to the English Civil War, with King Charles I having made it his headquarters prior to the Second Battle of Newbury in 1644 - a fight he would narrowly lose. The hotel was also visited by two of the 17th century’s most notable diarists, John Evelyn and Samuel Pepys, with the latter recording having partaken of “very good troutes, eels and crayfish” there in 1668.
Today, The Bear offers over 40 guest rooms and is pleasingly dog friendly.
See the Historic Hotels in Berkshire index
Online Booking and Reviews for The Bear
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The Bear
41 Charnham St Hungerford Berkshire RG17 0EL Reviews and Booking. Please note that nightsinthepast.com plays no part in the actual review, booking or reservation process for The Bear 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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