The History of The Old Bell Inn

Since this famous local hostelry first opened its doors over 200 years ago,

it has welcomed guests both esteemed and notorious.
In 1835, a royal entourage including Queen Victoria and her mother,
the Duchess of Kent, stayed on their way to the York Festival.

While Dick Turpin, the infamous highwayman is alleged to have 'rested'
at The Old Bell on his way to the gallows in York.

During the nineteenth century, it was one of the most prominent
coaching inns on the busy turnpike routes between Leeds,
Huddersfield and Manchester.

Accordingly, it's not difficult to see why many assume the Old Bell
was named after one of the frequently visiting post coaches.

Others (who are more likely to be correct), claim the hotel was named
after its original landlord William Bell; a fine figure of a man renowned for
his striking blue Georgian overcoat, buff waistcoat, knee breeches,
white stockings and silver-buckled shoes.

Indeed, William Bell's name lives on today in the Bell House, Bell Yard
and Bell Arch. And, for some years, a large bell hung above the door
in place of a traditional inn sign.

The advance of the railways during the 1850s saw a rapid end to
The Old Bell's fame as a post station. By 1871, the inn had closed
and become a school. By 1880, and now known as 'Bell House'
this once centrepiece of local life had become the home of
a magistrate and then a shawl trader.

It was not until the 1960s that ale once again began to flow at this
fine old hostelry