The Bull Hotel: A Historic Inn Steeped in Murder and Legend
The Bull Hotel in Long Melford, dating from 1450, is not only a stunning example of Tudor architecture but also the site of a documented Civil War murder, which fuels its most famous haunting.
Historical Timeline
The Bull Hotel is built as a timber-framed coaching inn.
Landlord Richard Evered is murdered at the inn during the English Civil War.
Serves as a prominent coaching stop on the London to Norwich route.
A mummified cat is sealed into a wall as a protective charm (discovered later).
Featured on TV's 'Ghost Hunters International'.
The Bull Hotel stands as a prominent historical landmark on Long Melford's famous High Street. Built around 1450, this timber-framed coaching inn has witnessed centuries of Suffolk life, from medieval travelers to Civil War turmoil.
Key Historical Points:
- Medieval Origins: Established in the mid-15th century, The Bull served as a vital coaching inn for those journeying through Suffolk, offering stabling for horses in its courtyard and lodging for travelers.
- The Murder of Richard Evered (1648): The inn's most significant historical event occurred during the English Civil War. Richard Evered, the landlord at the time and a known Royalist sympathizer, was murdered within The Bull's walls following a dispute with Parliamentarian soldiers. This violent death is well-documented and forms the basis of the inn's most persistent ghost story.
- Architectural Heritage: The Bull is a Grade I listed building, celebrated for its half-timbered façade, Elizabethan carved door, and impressive interior oak beams. A mummified cat, discovered sealed within a wall (a traditional charm against evil), is now displayed in the bar, adding to its historical intrigue.
- Coaching Inn Era: Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, The Bull was a key stop on the London to Norwich coaching route, bustling with activity.
Today, The Bull Hotel continues to operate as a popular inn, where guests can immerse themselves in its rich history, enjoy its traditional charm, and perhaps even encounter its long-term spectral residents.
Why This History Matters
Local Heritage
Understanding the historical context enhances your appreciation of The Bull Hotel (Long Melford)'s significance to the local community.
Paranormal Context
Historical events often provide the backdrop for paranormal activity, helping explain why certain spirits might linger.
Cultural Preservation
These historic buildings serve as living museums, preserving centuries of British heritage for future generations.
Location Significance
The strategic locations of these buildings often reflect historical trade routes, defensive positions, or social centers.