Bell Hotel Historical Articles | Norfolk | Haunted Hotels UK

Bell Hotel Historical Archives

Discover the fascinating history behind Bell Hotel. From its 15th century origins (over 500 years old), with documented inn existence since 1493 origins to its role in local heritage.

Bell Hotel

Thetford, Norfolk

Building Age: 15th century origins (over 500 years old), with documented inn existence since 1493

Original Purpose: Coaching inn on the London to Norwich mail coach route

Architecture: 15th-century timber-framed structure with later Georgian and Victorian additions. The two-storey timber framed building facing King Street represents the oldest part. Features include exposed oak beams, original wattle and daub construction, Tudor and Elizabethan period details, and a maze of interconnected historic rooms.

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Historical Articles

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1493

Est. Founded

Historical Themes

Historical Significance

The Bell Hotel has served as an inn since 1493, making it one of England's oldest continuously operating hostelries. It served as a principal coaching inn on the crucial London-Norwich mail coach route, hosting countless travelers over the centuries. The building features remarkable original architectural elements including 'Wattle & Daub' walls, Samson's post, Elizabethan wall paintings, a priest's hole, and original secret passages. With the arrival of railway connections to Thetford and wider Norfolk, the inn transformed into a hotel while maintaining its historic character.

Thetford religious history

1 article in this theme

Historical Article

Thetford's Religious Heritage: How Medieval Monasteries Created a Supernatural Legacy

3 min read 5 key events 6 topics

Discover how Thetford's transformation from Saxon royal capital to medieval religious powerhouse created the spiritual conditions that make it one of Norfolk's most haunted towns today.

Timeline Preview:

870-1016 Thetford serves as capital of East Anglia kingdom

1104 Thetford Priory founded by Roger Bigod

12th-15th centuries Peak period of religious activity with multiple monasteries operating

+2 more events...

Thetford religious history Thetford Priory history medieval monasteries Norfolk dissolution monasteries ghosts religious heritage paranormal spiritual hauntings Norfolk

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