Royal Inn, Horsebridge

An early 19th-century building with pointed Gothic windows characteristic of the time. The nearby bridge, built in 1437, was the lowest on the Tamar until the one at Gunnislake was constructed. A seal leaded into the granite step as you enter the porch was reputedly given by Charles 1 for "services rendered". The public bar is the original part of the pub and has slate-flagged floors and painted rubblestone walls. The bar counter used to face you as you entered but a major remodelling in the 1950s saw it shifted to the side to create an island arrangement serving both bars - it's an excellent example of so-called "publican’s rustic". The fireplace is basically original but had a lintel added during the changes. The lounge was created in the refit from former living quarters. The bar counter on this side is a rather ugly slatted and grooved affair and the fireplace, stonework and benching are all typical of the period. A restaurant beyond occupies a later extension but doesn't impinge.