Dating from the 15th Century, The Bell has long enjoyed its status as the main
drinking and meeting hall in Castle Hedingham. Many features help to furnish
the Inn with its unique character.
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The Public Bar: Centrally located and overlooking St James' Street, the public bar started life, together with the Parlour to the east as a hall house in approximately 1440. Subsequent renovations including a firestack and first floor were complete by 1500 and The Bell Inn was established. |
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The Parlour: Originally a servants' area adjoining the grand hall, the Parlour contains a very fine example of exposed wattle and daub which was accidentally discovered whilst attempting to restore an early oak doorway. Formerly known as the Front Room, the Blue Room and the Non-Smoking Room, the Parlour is ideal for meetings and parties. |
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The Saloon Bar: This was originally the second servants' wing adjoining the great hall. The stage area in the saloon bar was part of the kitchen pantry until the 1960's - the old meat hooks can still be seen on the beams. |
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The Back Bar: A late 18th century addition, this sunny room together with the construction of the first floor function room indicate that The Bell enjoyed increased prosperity at this time. Certainly from the late 1700s, The Bell was the main coach house on the route between Bury St Edmunds and London. An inventory for The Bell dating from 1836 lists the rooms as follows: Counting House, Commercial Room, Coach Office, Magistrates Room, Sadler's Room, Post House, Stable, Knife House, Skittle and Bowling Grounds. |
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The Disraeli Room: A magnificent barrel ceiling function room believed to have been built around 1790, the Disraeli Room has served many purposes. Originally a theatre (the London-based Drury Lane Players performed there several times), this grand room has also operated as a court room and an auction house. As an Assembly Room for the Hinckford Hundred Conservative Party, it functioned as both a political and social arena. Notable, it was the scene of a speech by Benjamin Disraeli and, for this reason, is referred to as the Disraeli Room. The Disraeli Room remains today a popular venue for local societies and is available for private hire. It is an ideal setting for small wedding receptions or celebrations for up to 60 guests. Please see EVENTS for further information. |
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The Orchard Garden: To the rear of The Bell is an extensive walled garden. Once a hop ground and former home to such pastimes as cock-fighting, skittles, bowling, quoits and croquet, the garden is perfect for families to enjoy on a warm day. |





