The Olde Bell - The oldest English hotel in Hurley
The Olde Bell – The oldest English hotel in Hurley.
It was established in 1135 as a shelter at a nearby monastery. Both buildings were connected by a secret tunnel, which was used – of course for a fee – by people forced to hide from the authorities. For example, fleeing from pursuing soldiers, they entered the hotel and disappeared without a trace.
Thanks to the profits from this procedure, the owners were able to systematically raise the standard of services and as a result, the hotel became one of the most valued and prestigious in the British Isles. During World War II, it hosted Winston Churchill and Dwight Eisenhower.