Ye Olde Fighting Cocks

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ye Olde Fighting Cocks - the view along the River Ver

Ye Olde Fighting Cocks is a public house in St Albans, Hertfordshire, which is one of several that lay claim to being the oldest in England [1]. It currently holds the official Guinness Book of Records title, but The Man and Scythe in Lancashire has claimed it is older by some 234 years. Another contender is Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem in Nottingham which is claimed to date from the 11th century. It has also been argued that the Walnut Tree in Leytonstone, East London is officially the oldest pub in the world by 100 years as evidence has been found that alcoholic beverages were first served there in 912 AD.

The main structure is free-standing and has an octagonal appearance, attributable to its original use as a pigeon house. It has been added to over the years but the original timber-framed structure is clearly visible. It was originally located close to St Albans Cathedral (when it was St Albans Abbey) and was moved to the present site after the dissolution of the Abbey in 1539. Its foundations are even older, dating from around 793. It is thought that there are tunnels running between the cathedral and the pub's beer cellars which were once used by monks [2].

There are several different areas inside, all with a 'lived-in' décor and full of character. As with many old buildings, the ceilings are quite low. An original bread-oven is next to one of the fireplaces. It has a very large beer garden with different seating arrangements, as well as seats out the front.

Ye Old Fighting Cocks - the view from the car park

It was originally known as "The Round House" until it was renamed "Ye Olde Fighting Cocks" around the 1800s, in reference to the sport of cock fighting which was popular at the time and which took place in the main bar area. It is known by locals as 'The Fighters' or 'The Cocks'.

The pub is at the end of Abbey Mill Lane beside the River Ver, just outside the perimeter of Verulamium Park, not far from St Albans Cathedral in the oldest part of the city. Car parking in the area is very restricted, most parking being for local residents only. The car park outside the pub is free from 6:30pm onwards, otherwise there is a pay at meter system. The car park is readily available except on bank holidays and days of extreme sunshine. The pub can also be easily reached on foot from either of St Albans' railway stations: St Albans Abbey is 10-15 minutes' walk through the park, while St Albans City is a 20-30 minute walk through the city centre.