The Hatchett Inn on Frogmore street and Llandogwer Trow on King Street
The Hatchett claims to be the oldest pub in the whole of Bristol with an establishment date of 1606, whilst the Llandoger Trow dates from 1664.
These classic seventeenth century timber frame pubs, constructed in the instantly recognisable Tudor style, are located within the walls of the Old City. They are remarkable symbols of continuity having survived the Blitz and numerous city centre redevelopments.
The buildings themselves have been altered somewhat over the centuries yet their essential architectural characters remain intact, with their eye catching timbers, overhanging eaves, low ceilings and eerie cellar spaces. They evoke the romance of the Old City whilst competing with the multitude of new drinking holes that have sprung up all around them.
Their very names give an insight in to Bristol's varied past. The 'Hatchett' is thought to have originally been the leisure spot of local 'woodsmen' who plied their trade in the nearby 'Clifton wood.' Now an urban era this was a rural forested site prior to the industrial age.
The Llandoger Trow was once known as the 'Llandoger Tavern' located just by the river Avon it was renamed after the freight sailing boats 'trows' which brought goods from Llandogo, in Monmouthshire in Wales to the 'Welsh back' area which lies behind it.
Numerous legends have attached themselves to both pubs over the centuries, some more credible than others. The Hatchett, which is now a hub for alternative music, has been home to a cock-fighting and bare knuckle boxing. Clearly this has always been a very lively part of Bristol!. Some even say the door and the roof are partially made with human skin!
The Llandoger trow boasts strong ties to Bristol's maritime past which include literary claims to fame. It is said that Daniel Defoe met Alexander Selkirk, the real life inspiration for Robinson Crusoe here. The Admiral Benbow in Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island was based directly upon the 'Trow. It has long been the frequented by actors and staff from the Theatre Royal which is situated directly opposite. The Royal made full use of this connection in using the 'Trow as a stage set for a recent stage production of Treasure Island in which the exterior of the building was magically transformed in to a pirate ship!
The Old Duke on King Street
A visitor to the Llandoger Trow is likely to be serenaded with the distinctive sound of Bristol's New Orleans inspired traditional jazz scene, That's because the famous 'Old Duke' sits just opposite, with live jazz every day of the week and a vibrant jazz festival weekend in the Summertime there's always something worth seeing here. The 'Duke was first licensed to sell alcohol in 1775 and boasts a colourful Georgian façade Originally thought to have been named for the Duke of Cumberland it is now said to be named for Duke Ellington! Bands including the 'the Bluenotes' and 'the Severn Jazzmen' have played here for nearly 40 years!
The Seven Stars and The Fleece on St Thomas Street.
Dating from the late 17th c. the Seven Stars is slightly off the beaten track, tucked away as it is in cobbled side street. Many regular drinkers will have initially discovered it when visiting the Fleece next door. Once known as 'The Wool Hall' the Fleece was originally built to house the wool market and is an example of Bristol's unique nineteenth century 'Bristol Byzantine' architectural style. Despite the centuries that passed between their constructions the Fleece and the 'Stars give every impression of belonging together. On the entrance to the 'Stars you'll spot two blue plaques commemorating the celebrated abolitionist Thomas Clarkson who held meetings here to investigate and discuss the slave trade which was a major source of income for Bristol merchants. Clarkson faced many challenges and strong opposition yet his determination and moral courage remained intact. He played an important role in abolition being achieved throughout the British Empire and was a key founder of 'the anti-slavery society' now called 'anti-slavery international' it is the world's oldest operating international human rights charity.
The interior of the 'Stars
A street view of the 'Stars and the Fleece
NB the images used in this blog are not mine.
