High Street
Norton St Philip
Somerset
BA2 7LH
01373 834224
The George in Norton St Philip has a good claim to be the oldest pub in England. It was built in 1397 by the Carthusian monks of nearby Hinton Priory to cater for merchants who came to their wool fairs. The traditional purpose of monastic inns was to accommodate pilgrims and it probably also catered for those heading to the shrine at Glastonbury. The George has stayed as an inn since it was built, and although parts have been added over the years the original building is still there (photos 1 & 4).
In 1685 the Duke of Monmouth lost his final battle at Sedgemoor, putting an end to his ‘pitchfork rebellion’. His supporters were imprisoned in the dungeons at the George and the infamous Judge Jeffreys sentenced them to hang in a nearby field.
The main bar has settles, old oak tables and a fifteenth century fireplace. There is a smaller oak panelled lounge (photo 5) and a separate restaurant. The atmospheric Dungeon Bar with its stone flagged floor is a private dining room available for hire (photo 3). The oldest part of the pub is the stone courtyard with its small timbered gallery (photo 2). Ted Bruning in his book Merrie England describes having a pint in the yard as the closest experience I have ever had of being transported back to the middle ages. The George is still an inn of course and there are nine ensuite bedrooms.
A place this old has to be haunted and there have been many sightings of ghosts, often a young blond boy, and reports of objects being moved around.
In 2020 the George was bought from Wadworths by the rapidly expanding Liberation Group, owner of Butcombe Brewing, and Butcombe beers are now sold.
