The Bell Inn, Grade II listed pub in Market Square, England
The Bell Inn is a Grade II listed pub on Market Square in Nottingham featuring original timber beams, stone-flagged floors, and multiple interconnected rooms, with a main bar area displaying a glassed-over ancient well. The layout creates different zones where visitors can find both social spaces and quieter corners.
The building was constructed in 1437 as a monastic refectory and transformed into a secular alehouse in 1539 following the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII. This shift marked the transition from religious to commercial use during a pivotal period in English history.
The pub maintains a tradition of presenting a ceremonial tankard to the University of Nottingham Students' Union President each November, a practice that has continued for over 60 years. This custom ties the establishment to the city's student community and academic calendar.
The pub is easily accessible from Market Square and accommodates both individual visitors and larger groups with designated spaces available for gatherings and events. The multiple rooms allow you to find an appropriate setting depending on the time of day and level of activity.
The cellars contain rock-hewn vaults dating from the 12th century, predating the current building by several hundred years. These underground chambers hark back to a period long before the site's transformation into a drinking establishment.
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