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The Bell Inn in Finedon is reputed (along with several other claimants) to be the oldest licensed house in the country and it bases this claim on a licence allegedly granted to it in 1042 by Queen Edith, who was the wife of Edward the Confessor between the years 1045 and 1066. Indeed, there is a statue of her located in a niche on the outside wall of the building seemingly to commemorate this.

The Domesday Book, (which was completed in 1086) describes how Finedon once belonged to Queen Edith of Wessex and most likely formed part of her marriage dowry from her father Earl Godwin.

While the current building may have been rebuilt in the late 19th century (1872) there are historical accounts which suggest the site’s history as a hostelry goes back much further, possibly to a monastic hospice for travellers named the Tingdene Hostelrie.

There is however a potential case for confusion concerning the granting of the earliest license as described by an inscription above the inn’s doorway which states clearly 

‘E.R 1042 Tingdene Hostelrie V. R 1872’.

As local historian John L H Bailey records in his book Finedon otherwise Thingdon, the inscription has always been understood to mean Editha Regina (Queen Edith) 1042 and Victoria Regina (Queen Victoria) 1872. However, Edith was not crowned queen until 1045, so it may well refer to Eduardus Rex (King Edward). Whichever is true, it is clear that Queen Edith does have close connections with Finedon.

Bailey also describes how the location of the Bell Inn has moved over its history, earlier buildings being located in the nearby area known as The Grove. Indeed it is marked on an Enclosures map of 1805, the present location being a farm at that time.

(For further reading  Finedon otherwise Thingdon pages 4-6)