Intriguing history of England's oldest inn

England's oldest inn is on the market with Christie & Co. The Royalist Hotel in Stow-on-the-Wold in the Gloucestershire Cotswolds is certified as the oldest inn in England, dating from 947 AD, and authenticated in The Guinness Book of Records. The historic Grade-II listed building ranks among the top 4% of protected buildings in the country and, says Christie & Co, has a fascinating history. In 949 AD, Saxon Duke Aethelmar founded the Royalist as a hospice to shelter lepers ­ a leper hole can still be found in the oldest part of the cellar. During the 16th century the building was known as Porch House and was home to the Shellard family. In 1630 John Shellard, aged 13, disappeared and was never found. Some believe his ghost is still a presence in the house. The last battle of the English Civil War in 1646 took place at Stow-on-the-Wold and many Royalists met their fate in Digbeth Street outside the inn. Among the many historic discoveries at the Royalist are a 10th Century Saxon shoe, two crucifixes, a Royalist commander's letter, a tunnel leading from the bar to the church across the street, witches' marks in the rooms and evidence of a bear pit and an ancient frieze. The Royalist Hotel has a three star rating and three rosettes from the AA, a three star silver award from the English Tourism Council and a host of favourable reviews from national newspapers and magazines. Having acquired the hotel in April 2000, Alan and Georgina Thompson (formerly from 755 Restaurant in London), carried out extensive renovations and refurbishment. They reopened for trade in September 2000 as a 12-bedroom hotel with a restaurant called 947 AD and adjacent food-led pub, the Eagle & Child. In June, the restaurant was completely refurbished and a new contemporary-style bar added. Since then trade has dramatically increased. As well as the 12 letting bedrooms, the Eagle & Child Inn ­ with up to 70 covers in the bar and conservatory ­ and the 36-cover 947 AD Restaurant, the hotel has a residents' bar, adjoining private dining/meeting room, catering kitchens, a two-bedroom staff flat and a manager's office. There is an outside dining area to the rear and residents' parking for eight cars. Christie & Co is seeking £1.85m for the freehold interest in the Royalist Hotel.