The New Inn, Gloucester

The New Inn is a three-story building in Gloucester featuring oak timber frames and open galleries surrounding an internal courtyard on each level. The wooden structure creates a distinctive rectangular design that frames the central courtyard space at its heart.

Construction began in 1450 under John Twyning, a monk from St Peter's Abbey, who designed it as a lodging place for pilgrims visiting Gloucester's religious sites. The building later became the setting for significant English royal announcements during the 16th century.

The name "New" was given because it was built as a modern alternative to older inns when it first opened. Visitors can still see the first-floor gallery where significant announcements were once made to gathered crowds.

The building is straightforward to visit and offers multiple spaces to explore, including visitor areas and the historic galleries overlooking the courtyard. Best visited during daylight hours when natural light highlights the wooden structure and architectural details.

This is among the most complete surviving examples of a medieval courtyard inn with galleries in all of Britain, showcasing architecture from that era. Its Grade I listing recognizes it as a rare intact example of this building type from the 15th century.