Royal Victoria And Bull Hotel

The Royal Victoria and Bull Hotel was originally built as a coaching inn in the late 18th century, with a subsequent extension to the northwest likely in the early 19th century. It has undergone significant alterations and extensions, particularly to the rear, throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. The building is constructed of brown brick in a Flemish bond pattern, with tiled gable ends.

The front elevation demonstrates the building’s phased development. The original coaching inn section is three storeys high, with a symmetrical nine-window range. A prominent central carriage entrance features pilasters and a dentilled cornice surmounted by a free-standing royal coat of arms. The eaves have a deeply overhanging cornice with modillions and blocking courses. Windows are hornless sashes with 6 panes to the second floor and 12 panes to the others, with stone cills and a plinth. To the right is a later extension, also symmetrical with a three-window range. First and second floor windows are tripartite, with hornless sashes and 8:12:8 and 4:6:4 panel divisions respectively. On the ground floor of the extension is a large, late Victorian/Edwardian semi-circular opening (now with 20th-century glazing). This opening features elaborate corbels supporting pineapples, a swag and bocranium above the window arch, and the pub name following the curve. A short cornice tops the feature, with a polished limestone plinth.

External features include cast-iron piers marking the original dismounting area on the courtyard elevation of the south wing, now with 20th-century infill. This elevation contains a mix of early to mid-19th century hornless sash windows, some renewed, including a tripartite arrangement lighting the first-floor ballroom. Just inside the coach entrance, to the right, are two original late 18th-century sash windows at ground level, one curved with 12 panes.

Inside, an open well staircase features stick balusters and a ramped rail. There is a ballroom with two fireplaces featuring white marble surrounds. Other interior features date from uncertain periods.