Ancient inn has links with notorious hanging judge'

An ancient inn believed to be the oldest in Wales and which is linked with the "Hanging Judge" Jeffreys, is on the market. The Skirrid Mountain Inn in Llanfihangel Crucorney, dates from 1110. History first records it as an alehouse called Millbrook which, between the 12th and 17th Centuries, also acted as a courthouse. When two unfortunate brothers were tried for sheep stealing and one of them was hanged from a beam in the stairwell, a grisly precedent was set for other hangings over the centuries. Most notoriously the inn is linked with the "Hanging Judge" Jeffreys and his mass executions of 1685 after the Monmouth Rebellion. Legend has it that more than 180 people were hanged in the inn from a beam where rope scorch marks can still be seen. The inn's main doorway and many of the windows are medieval and the oak beams were originally ships' timbers. The panelling in the dining room is said to be from an Elizabethan "Man of War". The great Welsh nobleman, Owain Glyndwr is said to have rallied his troops in the forecourt before battle, and the mounting stone that he used still stands outside the pub. The Skirrid Mountain Inn is featured in many guides including The Which? Guide to Country Pubs and The Good Beer Guide. Visitors are attracted from a wide area, many coming from overseas. The property briefly comprises a character main bar to seat 40, a snug bar/games room to seat 20 and dining room to seat 30. There are three en-suite letting rooms and owner's accommodation. The inn is for sale through Christie & Co and £65,000 is sought for the remainder of a 20-year lease, which began in 2000.