Reputed to be the oldest licensed house in the country, basing its claim on a licence granted in 1042 by Queen Edith, wife of Edward the Confessor. Her statue can be found in a niche in the outside wall. Built from local ironstone, inside is three connected lounge bars, with a large fireplace separating two of them. A fine selection of fruit wines are available. Run by the longest serving licensee in the county since 1969.
Historic Interest
Recorded in 1042 as Tingdene Hostelrie, a monastic hospice for travellers. The current Listed main Inn was built in 1598, stone farm barns within the site suggest farm use, and in 1872 the Mackworth – Dolben family carried out a Victorian Gothic adaptation of the main façade. Current owner/landlord has been there 55 years as at 2024.
This Pub serves no changing beers and 2 regular beers.
Bell Inn, Finedon