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. The kitchen is independent from the pub and supplies two restaurant areas under the highly rated Bells Kitchen