Scole Inn Hotel

Book Room

History

HISTORY

Scole Inn Hotel

Discover the historic allure of The Scole Inn Hotel, a Grade I Listed treasure originally founded in 1655 as The White Hart. This distinguished coaching inn has hosted an array of notable guests through the centuries, including King Charles II, Lord Nelson, and the infamous highwayman John Belcher. Having transitioned through various names, it now proudly stands as The Scole Inn Hotel, revitalised by Yiasemis Hotels to celebrate its rich heritage.

Today, The Scole Inn Hotel offers a blend of historical charm and modern comfort. Accommodations range from the elegantly appointed rooms in the main building, featuring original fireplaces and luxurious four-poster beds, to the beautifully restored Georgian stables known as the Coach House. The inn boasts a welcoming bar with East Anglia’s largest fireplaces and an exceptional restaurant, ensuring a memorable stay for every guest.

Step into a world where history meets contemporary elegance at The Scole Inn Hotel, a landmark of hospitality in East Anglia. Visit us for an unforgettable experience that honours the past while embracing the future.

old Scole Inn fireplace
Photo from the old Scole Inn
old Scole Inn bedroom
Photo from the old Scole Inn
Scole Inn Photo from original bar
Photo from the old Scole Inn
old Scole Inn Stair Case
Photo from the old Scole Inn

Room History

Each of our 4-Poster Suites is christened in honour of distinguished individuals who are rumoured to have graced the Scole Inn Hotel with their presence or have been a part of its storied history.

4-Poster Suite

King Charles II Room

Revitalize your understanding of historical elegance with our feature on the majestic Scole Inn Hotel, a gem steeped in the annals of time according to the esteemed Scole Parish Council Register. This prestigious document unveils a captivating moment in history, revealing that King Charles II graced the Scole Inn Hotel with his presence. This royal visit occurred during a pivotal time on the 27th of September, 1671, marking the 23rd year of King Charles II’s reign, while the adjacent church was being constructed under the generous patronage of the Right Honourable Lord Cornwallis.

In honor of this significant event, the Scole Inn Hotel has dedicated a room to King Charles II, immortalizing his passage through this historic establishment. Discover the charm and legacy of the Scole Inn Hotel on scoleinn.com, where history and hospitality intertwine to offer an unparalleled experience. Join us in celebrating the rich heritage that has defined our premises for centuries, making it a cornerstone of cultural and historical significance in the heart of Scole.

4-Poster Suite

Emma's Room

Immerse yourself in the captivating tale of Emma’s Room, a narrative that echoes through the walls of the historic Scole Inn Hotel, formerly known as The White Hart. This room holds a story of ambition, love, and tragedy, centred around Emma, a woman who boldly stepped away from her marriage to forge her own path in the stables of this famed Coaching Inn.

Emma’s journey was marked by her determination to build a career, an uncommon pursuit for women of her time. However, her life took a dramatic turn when she became entangled in a forbidden love affair with a workman. This clandestine relationship was shrouded in mystery and speculation, further fuelled by the legend of Dick Turpin, the notorious highwayman who also graced the Scole Inn Hotel with his presence. Rumours swirl that Turpin himself made a daring escape from this very inn, leaping out of a window to evade capture by the authorities.

The story of Emma’s Room takes a dark twist as whispers of the affair reached her husband, leading to a tragic conclusion. Consumed by rage, he travelled to The White Hart, where he discovered Emma and her lover together. In a moment of fury, he ended both their lives, leaving behind a tale of passion, betrayal, and loss that haunts Emma’s Room to this day.

4-Poster Suite

Lord Nelson's Room

Step into the world of Lord Nelson’s Room, where history and legend intertwine within the walls of the esteemed Scole Inn Hotel, once known as The White Hart. This suite pays homage to one of Britain’s most revered figures, Admiral Lord Nelson, a man whose naval mastery and valour forever altered the course of British maritime history.

Lord Nelson, celebrated for his pivotal role in victories at pivotal battles such as the Battle of Trafalgar, is a symbol of courage and national pride. His strategic genius and unyielding bravery not only secured Britain’s supremacy on the seas but also inspired countless generations with tales of heroism and dedication to duty.

Though the annals of history do not detail every stop made by this iconic figure, it is rumoured that The White Hart was one of Lord Nelson’s regular havens. This speculation adds a layer of intrigue and historical allure to Lord Nelson’s Room, inviting guests to ponder the possibility of his presence within these very walls.

4-Poster Suite

Nell Gwynne Room

Nell Gwynne, born Eleanor Gwyn (1650–1687), was one of the most celebrated figures of 17th-century England, known for her dual roles as one of the first English actresses and a long-standing mistress of King Charles II. Gwynne’s life story is a remarkable tale of rags to riches; she rose from humble beginnings in the slums of London to become one of the most influential and adored women of her time.

Before the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660, women were not allowed to perform on the English stage; all female roles were played by men. However, with the reopening of the theatres and the return of Charles II to the throne, women began to act professionally. Nell Gwynne was among the first group of women to take up acting as a profession, and she quickly became a popular figure on the London stage, celebrated for her comedic talent and vivacious personality.

Nell’s charm and wit caught the eye of King Charles II, and she became his mistress in the late 1660s. Unlike many of the king’s other mistresses, Nell was not of noble birth, and her relationship with the king was notable for its lack of political ambition. She bore the king two sons, Charles Beauclerk and James Beauclerk, and despite her precarious social position, she won the affection of the public and even the begrudging respect of some at court.

Nell Gwynne’s legacy extends beyond her personal story; she is often remembered as a symbol of the vibrancy and cultural flourishing of the Restoration period. Her life has been the subject of numerous plays, novels, and films, captivating audiences with her wit, charm, and indomitable spirit.