Global InformationThe Angel Inn information
| The Angel Inn | |
|---|---|
 Main façade of the building in 2012. Originally constructed in close studding with brick nogging, the façade was refronted with Georgian brick cladding in the late 18th century. | |
  Location within Hampshire | |
| General information | |
| Type | Late medieval courtyard inn |
| Architectural style |
|
| Location | 95 High Street |
| Town or city | Andover, Hampshire |
| Country | England |
| Coordinates | 51°12′33″N 1°28′44″W / 51.2092°N 1.4790°W |
| Construction started | c.1444 |
| Completed | c.1455 |
| Cost | £400[1] |
| Client | Winchester College |
| Owner | Greene King |
| Technical details | |
| Structural system | Timber framing with cruck frame roof |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect(s) |
|
| Main contractor |
|
| Other information | |
| Number of bars | 2 |
| Parking | No |
| Website | |
| theangelandover | |
Listed Building – Grade II* | |
| Official name | The Angel Inn |
| Designated | 24 February 1950 |
| Reference no. | 1093460 |
The Angel Inn is a public house in Andover, Hampshire. Constructed in the mid-15th century, it is one of England's oldest surviving inns, and the oldest and most complete example in Hampshire.[2][3] It is a Grade II* listed building, of "more than special interest nationally."[3] Despite alterations in the 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, the medieval timber frame, features and decorative details remain "remarkably intact."[3] Archaeological and documentary evidence suggest that it was built on the site of a previous inn—the College Inn—which was destroyed in the Great Fire of Andover in 1434.[4][5][6]
Originally constructed of four wings enclosing a central courtyard, with an archway giving access from the street—typical of late medieval inns—the pub now retains the north and east wings.[3][7][8] The west wing is no longer extant, while the surviving section of the south wing—which was divided from the inn for other commercial uses in the 18th century—is now also Grade II* listed (under the designation "89, 91 & 93 High Street, Andover.")[9] The main bar room is situated in the ground floor of the north wing, which housed stables during the medieval period.[3][10] The 'front bar' occupies the ground floor room—originally a high status guest chamber—at the eastern end of the north wing, looking onto the High Street.[3] During the early 19th century, the front bar also served as the town's magistrates' court and guildhall.[3]
In the 1960s, Andover became an overspill town for London, resulting in redevelopment of the town centre and the construction of a large shopping centre. The Angel Inn—along with other late medieval parts of the town—was initially earmarked for demolition in 1965 as part of the redevelopment, but was saved following a campaign by members of the public.[11][12][13]
The Angel Inn is Cask Marque accredited and listed by CAMRA—the Campaign for Real Ale—as one of the best cask ale pubs in the UK.[14][15][16]
- ^ Hare 2005, p. 189
- ^ Roberts 1992, p. 153
- ^ a b c d e f g Historic England. "The Angel Inn (1093460)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 21 September 2017.
- ^ Roberts 1992, p. 162
- ^ Himsworth 1984, p. 45
- ^ Kirby 1892, p. 175
- ^ Wilkinson, Philip; Ashley, Peter (2009). "Early Inns". The English Buildings Book: An Architectural Guide. Historic England Publishing. ISBN 978-1-850-74969-1.
- ^ Richardson & Eberlein 1968, p. 6
- ^ Historic England. "89, 91 & 93 High Street, Andover (1264607)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 23 September 2017.
- ^ Roberts 1992, p. 159
- ^ Hare 2005, p. 193
- ^ Stone, Peter (14 March 2016). "Great survivors – the Angel of Andover". Hampshire Archaeology. Retrieved 21 September 2017.
- ^ "Fifty Years Ago — 26 March 1965: Strong support for Angel petition". Andover Advertiser. Andover. 27 March 2015. Retrieved 12 September 2019.
- ^ "Angel Inn". Cask Marque. 2017. Retrieved 17 October 2017.
- ^ Hossein-Pour, Anahita (23 September 2017). "Pubs make the cut to be included in CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2018". Andover Advertiser. Andover. Retrieved 23 September 2017.
- ^ "Angel Inn". Campaign for Real Ale. 29 July 2017. Retrieved 23 September 2017.