The Ring O’ Bells pub in Kendal, Cumbria boasts something of a unique and unusual claim. The Ring O’ Bells is said to be the only pub in the UK to be on consecrated ground.
Originally built in the 1700s with the aim of providing refreshment to church wardens, it stands right alongside Kendal Parish Church. The original pub sign, depicting the bell ringers of that time, can even be found in the north aisle of the church.
In addition to its holy setting, the Ring O’ Bells is also rumoured to have served both Bonnie Prince Charlie and Charles Dickens.
The Ring O’ Bells has survived requests in the 1800s to get rid of the pub to make way for a Sunday School and closures in more recent times. Today it is a family run pub with two small bars.
Any history buffs planning to visit the Ring O’ Bells and neighbouring church may also wish to check out the tomb of Katherine Parr’s grandfather which can be found inside the church’s Parr Chapel.
Contrary Life has found evidence of two other pubs that are said to be on consecrated ground. The Savile Arms in Thornhill, Dewsbury and The Mug House in Claines, Worcestershire. So is the Ring O’ Bells really the only pub on consecrated ground? Contrary Life would like to hear from you if your local is as blessed as The Ring O’ Bells!
If you have an idea for a Curiosity of the Week then feel free to get in touch. Send an email to info@contrarylife.com, we’ll be happy to hear from you.
I am in the process of compiling a website (http://ringobellskendal.webs.com/) for the Ring o’ Bells in Kendal, so have been trying to nail down the popular story that it is the only pub in England to be built on consecrated ground. Like you at Contrary Life, I have so far identified two other pubs (the same two as you have) as having claims to being built on said consecrated ground. I will let you know if I discover anything approximating proof.
We’ll look forward to hearing how you’ve got on ! If we find any further information we’ll post it up on Contrary Life.
If there is anyone else out there who can help, then do let us know!
The Mug House pub at Claines near Worcester is also on consecrated ground. There is a good Wikipedia entry for it which explains its background.