The George Inn, South West, England

Located in Norton St. Philip on a minor road that in the Middle Ages would have lead from Bath to Salisbury, stands one of the oldest Inn’s in England. 

Built by the monks at Hinton Priory to accommodate merchants of the wool trade when they traveled to the local market.  Hinton Priory was one of only 10 Carthusian houses in England,. The order at Hinton was established in the 13th century. At this time they were also granted the land at Norton St. Philip. 

The George Inn was granted a license to sell alcohol in 1397 probably from the monastery at Hinton because Government licenses for alehouses were not  required until 1552.

The Monks at Hinton built up a trade in wool and fairs and markets were established in Norton in the 13th century.  It was this trade that created the need for an Inn to house travelers.  The Inn itself my only date from the 14th century and investigations show that it was three stories at this time.

The George Inn is still a working Inn and still welcomes overnight guests.