The New Inn, Gloucester
A Brief Introduction to The New Inn
Image: David Smith: Galleried courtyard of the New Inn, Gloucester, CC BY-SA 2.0
The New Inn, Gloucester, is regarded as the most well-preserved example of a galleried medieval courtyard inn in the country. Replacing an older building, the inn was built between 1430-and 1450 by John Twyning, a monk, and originally served as a lodging establishment for the former Benedictine Abbey of St. Peter. Following the dissolution of St. Peter’s, ownership of the inn was transferred to the Dean and Chapter of Gloucester Cathedral. It was subsequently leased to different innkeepers until it changed hands through a sale in 1858.
During Tudor times, inns were crucial for travellers. They served as places to rest, eat and sleep. They also provided stabling for horses, where tired mounts could be replaced with fresh ones. Inns often extended around a courtyard, with guest bedrooms on the first floor to ensure they had windows despite being backed onto other buildings.
Now a Grade I listed building, the timber-framed structure of The New Inn retains many period features, including exposed beams and traditional sash windows. Furthermore, for Tudor history lovers out there, there is a historical connection to Lady Jane Grey.
Legend has it that Lady Jane Grey was staying at The New Inn when she received word of the death of Edward VI and her subsequent ascent to the throne. Allegedly, this was subsequently announced from the gallery of the inn. However, we know that Lady Jane was far away in London, at Syon House, when she found out she was to be Queen of England. Thus, if any part of this tale is true, it seems far more likely that her proclamation was made to the City of Gloucester from the inn and that the tale has subsequently been lavishly embellished.
Stay at The New Inn
Today, The New Inn offers accommodation, a restaurant and a coffee shop. It serves traditional English meals and has an award-winning ale bar. Its coffee shop is open daily and serves speciality teas and homemade cakes. There are various room options available, including feature rooms. All rooms are en-suite and equipped with a television, tea and coffee-making facilities and free wifi.
Historic Properties Nearby
Gloucestershire is a county with plenty of Tudor history to explore. The majority of the Cotswolds lies within its borders, as does the Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley. Honey-stoned villages are nestled in its rolling hills. With some of the most beautiful countryside in England, it is the perfect base to experience a mix of Tudor history and some quintessentially English days out. For more information on places to visit in the county and how to get there, my podcast Gloucestershire Travel Essentials may be helpful. My travel itinerary following Henry VII and Elizabeth of York’s 1502 Progress also covers Tudor places to visit in the county.
Other Tudor places to visit nearby:
Tewkesbury Abbey (11 miles)
Flaxley Abbey (13 miles)
Sudeley Castle (16 miles)
Visitor Information
For more details on the accommodation, check out The New Inn’s website.
Contact Details: email newinn@dominionhospitality.co.uk or call +441452 522177.
Address: The New Inn, 16 Northgate Street, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL1 1SF.
