The Angel Inn: England's Oldest Surviving Inn and Its Royal History
Located in Grantham on what was once the Great North Road, the Angel Inn holds the prestigious claim of being the oldest surviving inn in England. Named for the stone carvings of angels adorning its facade, this historic landmark has served as a sanctuary for travelers, pilgrims, and monarchs for centuries. From its mysterious origins with medieval military orders to its role as a royal court, the inn is a living chronicle of English history.
Architectural Heritage and Rarities
The building is constructed from local oolithic stone using ashlar—finely dressed masonry that provides a smooth, square finish. While the front of the building has evolved, the gateway arch remains one of its oldest features, flanked by carved heads of King Edward III and his consort, Queen Philippa. Above the entrance, beneath an oriel window, sits a gold-painted carved wooden figure of an angel. Dating from before the 17th century, such a wooden figure is considered a rarity for an English inn.
Other significant architectural features include Tudor-period elements in the entrance and courtyard buildings, as well as rare stone twin-panel vaulting found in the interior ceilings of the bay windows.
![The front of what is now The Angel and Royal Hotel. Despite the many royal visits in previous centuries, the "and Royal" was only finally added to the name in 1866, when the inn was visited by the then Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII.[12] La Chambre le Roi at the time of Richard III extended for the whole of the first floor of the Inn, with the two mullioned bay windows for both ground and first floors, that can be seen here, at each end of the room.[13]](/images/26/57/2657f2d564986e3538ceaf77d3b8b94f802607923586075c08a4f6e8deb30a24.jpg)
While much of the original structure remains, the inn has seen modifications over time. The courtyard and certain ranges are 18th-century additions that replaced earlier timber-built wings, external stairways, galleries, and barns.
![The courtyard and range of the Angel and Royal, pictured here, are 18th-century additions to the mediæval Inn, replacing portions of the earlier Inn, such as external stairways, some galleries, barns to the rear, and a timber-built wing to the right of the front.[13]](/images/bd/16/bd16ba42a8028bbd006e2df142a467be789dc046dbaa70fddbb4003207e7d7a0.jpg)
The Templars and the Hospitallers
The early history of the Angel Inn is entwined with the Knights Templar, a medieval military order. While some 19th-century records suggested the inn was a "commandery" (a headquarters), investigations by the Reverend B. Street in 1857 clarified that while the property belonged to the Templars, it was not a Preceptory. Instead, it functioned as a hostelry for pilgrims and travelers.
The property was seized from the Templars on January 7, 1308, by the Sheriff of Lincolnshire. This action followed a royal writ issued by King Edward II on December 15, 1307, which commanded the arrest of all Knights Templars in the bailiwick and the seizure of their lands, goods, and charters.
Following the seizure, evidence suggests the property passed to the Knights Hospitallers. This conclusion is supported by records from 1662 showing the arms of the Hospitallers on the East window of Grantham church, replacing the previous arms of the Templars.
A Venue for Royalty and Law
The Angel Inn has frequently served as a site for royal business. Historical records indicate that King John held court there on February 23, 1213, during which he delivered Letters Patent for the release of Lucian of Arquill. It is also believed that King Charles I used the inn on May 17, 1622.
One of the most notable royal associations is with Richard III. On October 19, 1483, the king used a room known as La Chambre le Roi (the King's Chamber) to receive the Great Seal via messenger. This high-stakes meeting took place in the presence of the Earls of Northumberland and Huntingdon, Sir Thomas Stanley, and the Bishops of Worcester, Durham, St David's, and St Asaph.
Community and Legacy
The inn's influence extended into the social and moral fabric of Grantham. In 1706, a local man named Michael Sullivan left a benefaction to the Grantham church. He established a rent charge of 40 shillings a year, to be paid by the Angel Inn every Michaelmas day, to fund a sermon specifically preaching against drunkenness, which Sullivan viewed as the "inlet of almost all other" sins.
| Period/Date | Event/Feature | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1213 | Visit by King John | Held court and delivered Letters Patent |
| 1308 | Seizure by Sheriff of Lincolnshire | Property taken from Knights Templar by order of Edward II |
| 1483 | Visit by Richard III | Great Seal delivered in La Chambre le Roi |
| 1622 | Probable visit by Charles I | Continued use as a royal stopover |
| 1706 | Michael Sullivan Benefaction | Inn funded annual sermons against drunkenness |
| 1866 | Renamed "The Angel and Royal" | Following a visit by the Prince of Wales (Edward VII) |
Key Facts
- Oldest Inn: Lays claim to be the oldest surviving inn in England.
- Royal Connections: Hosted King John, Richard III, and likely Charles I.
- Templar Origins: Originally a hostelry owned by the Knights Templar before being seized in 1308.
- Rare Features: Features a pre-17th-century carved wooden angel and stone twin-panel vaulting.
- Location: Situated in Grantham on the historic Great North Road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the inn called the Angel Inn?
The inn took its name from the stone carvings of angels located on the front of the building.
Was the Angel Inn a Knights Templar Preceptory?
No. While it was owned by the Knights Templar and used as a hostelry for pilgrims, investigations by Reverend B. Street concluded it was not a Preceptory (a formal headquarters).
What happened to the inn in 1308?
On January 7, 1308, the Sheriff of Lincolnshire seized the inn and all associated lands and goods from the Knights Templar, acting on a writ issued by King Edward II.
What is "La Chambre le Roi"?
It is the Norman French name for "the King's Chamber," a large room over the gateway where Richard III received the Great Seal in 1483.
When did the name change to The Angel and Royal?
The "and Royal" suffix was added in 1866 after the inn was visited by the Prince of Wales, who later became King Edward VII.