Spaniards Inn, Historic inn near Hampstead Heath, England
Spaniards Inn is a historic public house at the junction of Spaniards Road between Hampstead and Highgate, with dark timber beams and white exterior walls. The Grade II listed building retains its original late sixteenth-century appearance, including low door frames and uneven floor levels.
The building was erected in 1585 as an entrance to the Bishop of London's estate and evolved into a popular stop for travelers heading into central London over the centuries. A boundary stone from 1755 in the front garden marks the historic border between the parishes of Hampstead and Hornsey.
The name probably comes from a Spanish ambassador who lived here or owned the surrounding land in the sixteenth century. The legend of highwayman Dick Turpin lives on among locals, since he supposedly stabled his horse Black Bess here before robbing travelers on the road.
The inn sits right on the edge of Hampstead Heath, offering convenient access for walkers looking for a break after time on the heath. The rooms inside are small and winding, so arriving outside peak weekend hours helps secure a seat.
During the Gordon Riots of 1780, the landlord served drinks to a group of rioters, delaying their attack on Kenwood House until the local militia arrived. The delay saved the nearby stately home from destruction by the angry mob.
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