The Old Bell, Grade II* listed pub in Hemel Hempstead, England
The Old Bell is a three-story brick building with a prominent facade, decorative iron railings, and a wide balcony on the first floor. The structure features five sash windows, a canted bay, and two false windows on the second story.
A public house has existed at this location since 1603, and the current building was constructed in the early 18th century with a dated rainwater head marked 1725. The structure thus preserves several centuries of pub architecture development.
The interior of the bar showcases early 19th-century French scenic wallpaper, reflecting how tastes and decorations shifted over time in British pubs.
The building sits in the center of Hemel Hempstead and continues to operate as a public house open to visitors. Be aware that the historic structure may have narrow passages and multiple levels, so exploring it requires some care and attention.
The building contains two dummy windows on the second floor, possibly created to avoid an old window tax that once existed in Britain. Such features reveal how taxation shaped the way people built their homes across the country.
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