The Old Bear and Crown Hotel

The Old Bear and Crown Hotel is a 16th-century timber-framed and plastered building that has been significantly altered in the early 19th century when it was refronted. Formerly known as the Bear and Crown Inn, it is believed to have been the Wool Hall. The structure originally featured a central two-bay hall with two-storeyed cross wings at both the north and south ends. The central truss of the hall remains intact, showcasing a crown post. The cross wings were originally jettied on the first storey, and inside both wings, there are remnants of dragon beams. Externally, corner posts carved with small animals can still be seen. The building has two storeys, with a four-window range on the west front and a two-window range on the north and south fronts, featuring double-hung sashes with vertical glazing bars in flush cased frames. The doorway is adorned with a stucco doorcase that includes pilasters, a frieze, and a cornice. The spandrels of the original doorway, which are carved with dragons and feature a moulded arch, have been re-set inside the hall of the current building. The interior includes some moulded ceiling beams and exposed timber-framing. The Old Bear and Crown Hotel is part of a group of listed buildings that includes all the listed buildings in Market Hill, Church Street, Station Road, and Well Lane.