Description:
The Royalist Hotel is the oldest building in Stow and features in the "Guinness Book of Records" as the oldest Inn in England dating from AD 947. It is a grade II listed building with great historical interest and is in the top 4% of protected buildings in England. Behind its 17th century Jacobean facade stands the original oak framed structure, parts of which date back to the 10th century. Radio carbon dating of the timbers have established their age at over 1,000 years. Some of the things found in this building have been a 10th century Saxon shoe and underneath the lounge the remains of a pit for bear baiting, a popular pastime in the Middle Ages. Still seen are the Witches' marks, the Leper holes, an ancient frieze, and the thousand year old timbers. A friendly ghost lives on the ground floor and has been identified as Young John Shellard who died in 1638 age 13. He wears a white ruflette and a large smile as he moves between the bar and cellar. The hotel is family owned and run and provides all the modern comforts while retaining the character, atmosphere and charm of its long history. Guests can dine in the award winning (3 AA Rosettes) 947AD Restaurant or enjoy the public house atmosphere of The Eagle and Child serving excellent pub food for both lunch and dinner and recently awarded the 8th Best Pub in the UK by The Independent Newspaper.

Location:
On Digbeth Street (A436) just off the villege green.

Room Bedding:
8 individually designed bedrooms, all named from the history of The Royalist, including one luxury suite with a king half tester bed and jacuzzi bath. All rooms have color TV, direct dial phones, tea and coffee making facilities.

Activities:
The historic market town of Stow is surrounded by lovely countryside is the perfect base from which to explore the local towns and villages, several within walking distance along the numerous bridleways and footpaths. Within a short drive there are many interesting places to visit, including castles, historic houses and places, churches, museums, parks and gardens, archaeological sites and wildlife centers. For example, Blenheim Palace at Woodstock, Oxford or Stratford-upon-Avon are less than one hour's drive from Stow.