The Bell Inn

The Bell Inn is an inn, house, and shop, with earlier origins, located on Stilton High Street. A stone dated 1642 on the south gable indicates its early construction, though significant alterations and rebuilding occurred around 1700 and in the 18th century. A 19th-century conversion saw part of the building transformed into three tenements. A south-east wing was replaced around 1985. The building is constructed of coursed limestone rubble with Ketton limestone dressings and 18th-century red brick, and has collyweston stone slate and 19th-century pantile roofing.

Originally built in a half-H plan, with wings to the north and south that have since been demolished, the west elevation has six unequal bays. Cross gables extend from the north and south, and a segmental-headed arch marks the carriageway, centrally located on the right. An inscription painted in black above the arch reads: "LONDON 74 HUNTINGDON 12 BUCKDEN 14 STAMFORD 14 MILES". The ground floor features three two-storey canted bay windows, one two-storey bay with an attic, and one ground floor bay. Originally, the windows were hollow-chamfered mullioned, with some retaining block side lights. Later 18th-century sash windows have been inserted, alongside recently renovated original windows. A deep plinth runs continuously around the bay windows, and moulded strings are positioned above the windows at both floor levels and above the archway. Two blank shields are set within the spandrels above the arch, with moulded imposts to the jambs. The building has two tall, symmetrical ridge stacks, each featuring six ashlar shafts with common strings and cornices.

Two entrances, serving Nos. 1 and 3, are deeply recessed, with wooden panelled reveals and stone and brick steps leading to 18th- and 19th-century panelled doors. The right-hand entrance to the inn is in the south bay. The interior features stop-chamfered ceiling beams. Stone fireplaces with four-centred arches and moulded details are present in the inn, while Nos. 1 and 3 have similar fireplaces with plain chamfered details on each floor. A 17th-century staircase is located next to a stack, and an 18th-century open string staircase has a moulded hand rail and turned balusters. A very fine wrought iron inn sign is attached to the right-hand side.

Cooper Thornhill purchased the Bell Inn around 1730 and played a significant role in popularizing the sale of Stilton cheese. By 1796, a considerable cheese trade was associated with the inn.