The Rose Inn, inn in Bedford, Bedfordshire, UK
The Rose Inn is a Grade II listed building and public house in Bedford with origins possibly dating to the 16th century or earlier. The front features rendered stucco with a Welsh slate roof, and the interior contains traditional wooden beams and period furnishings throughout its spaces.
The earliest documented records of the inn date to 1672, but archives indicate it operated as an inn by 1546, suggesting parts of the building are over 500 years old. During the 19th century, the main frontage was updated in a new architectural style, and a billiard room was added to accommodate growing demand for entertainment.
The Rose Inn reflects the old English tavern tradition through its name and role as a community gathering place. For generations, locals have come here to celebrate, meet, and spend time together in a familiar setting.
The building sits near High Street and is easily accessible on foot, though the narrow medieval street layout of Bedford should be kept in mind when navigating the area. As a listed building, visitors should expect traditional interior spaces with wooden beams that reflect the site's historical character.
The building has carried several different names over the centuries, including The Rose Hotel, The Commercial Inn, The Hogs Head, and Compton's, reflecting its long history and changing uses. These name changes show how the property adapted its identity over time while remaining a central gathering place in the community.
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