Bell Inn, Nottingham

A medieval proverb claimed that if the abbot of Glastonbury married the Abbess of Shaftsbury, they would have more land than the King. Apparently, this was true. Henry VIII was enraged. The clergy had more money than he did. Much more. To fatten the royal purse, Henry sacked almost all monasteries, priories, and nunneries in England.

The Whitefriars Priory of Nottingham was spared. As a refectory built around 1420, it made a great alehouse in 1539. Henry may have disliked friars, but he didn't mind ale. An Angelous bell hung outside the building, so it was named "The Bell Inn." Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem and Ye Olde Salutation Inn and the Bell Inn are the oldest pubs in town.

The pub main entrance leads to the Snack Bar in the old flagstoned stables. There are the leprosy windows in the entranceway where customers had their fingers counted before entering. The Tudor Room bar and Lizzie's Bar date from 1437. The upper floor houses The Belfry restaurant and The Crown Post Room. The Belfry is also used for private functions.

The honeycomb of caves beneath the Inn date back to Norman times. There are two old wells and a network of blind tunnels going in all directions. Tours of the caves can be arranged, but watch your step and ask about hardhats.