The Royal Seven Stars Hotel

The Royal Seven Stars Hotel is a late 17th century courtyard inn, likely built by George Rooke, who was Mayor in 1685/6. The hotel was a stop for Daniel Defoe during his travels in the West Country. In the late 18th century, the courtyard was covered, and a ballroom was added on the first floor. Around 1825, the original 17th century front was rebuilt, and a new porch was added in 1840. The building has three storeys and features six windows, a Welsh slate roof, and a rendered front with a parapet and plain band below. There is a plain sill band at the second floor level and a string course at the first floor level. The windows are recessed sash types with sidelights and glazing bars. A two-storey portico with a pedimented side is supported by columns and piers, with fenestration on the first floor that includes glazing bars. Inside, there is an original open well staircase with a closed string, turned balusters, column newels topped with ball finials, and a moulded handrail. A late 18th century straight flight leads to the ballroom, which features turned balusters and a swept handrail, while the ballroom itself has a dentil cornice.