Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem is a public house with a rich history and a claim to be the oldest pub in England.
It is nestled at the base of the cliffs beneath Nottingham Castle.
The house was claimed to have been established in 1189, the same year King Richard the Lionheart began his reign.
This Grade II listed building is a must-visit for history buffs and pub enthusiasts alike.
Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem And Its Unique Location
The pub is built into Castle Rock, a sandstone cliff upon which Nottingham Castle stands.
The soft sandstone has been carved into a network of caves that have served various purposes over the centuries.
Originally, these caves were used as a brewhouse for the castle, dating back to the medieval period.
As you enter the pub, you are immediately enveloped in an atmosphere that evokes the distant past, with rock walls and historical artifacts surrounding you.
What’s In A Name?
The name “Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem” first appeared in records in 1799.
Prior to that, the pub was known as “The Pilgrim,” with references dating back to 1751.
The current name is believed to derive from the belief that pilgrims or crusaders would stop at the inn on their way to Jerusalem.
Interestingly, “Ye Olde” is pronounced “the old,” and “trip” refers to a stop on a journey, not the journey itself.
Locals often refer to the pub simply as “the Trip.”
The Oldest Pub In England
Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem is one of several pubs that claim to be the oldest in England.
Other contenders include Ye Olde Salutation Inn and The Bell Inn, also located in Nottingham, and Ye Olde Fighting Cocks in St Albans.
While there is no documentation to confirm the pub’s claim of being established in 1189, evidence suggests that the caves were used as a brewhouse around the time Nottingham Castle was built in 1067.
The oldest parts of the current building likely date between 1650 and 1660.
A map by John Speed from 1610 shows a building in this location, indicating the site’s long history.
A Unique Experience
Visiting Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem is like stepping into a living museum.
The pub is filled with nooks and crannies, each housing historical curiosities.
The cellars beneath the pub carved deep into the sandstone cliff, have been used for centuries to store ale.
These cellars also include an old cockfighting pit and a part of the Castle Gaol, featuring a condemned cell with small holes drilled for airflow.
The Gaoler’s Chair, etched out of the rock, is still visible today.
The Fascinating Legend Of The Fertility Chair
One of the most intriguing and unique artifacts housed within Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem is the so-called “fertility chair.”
The fertility chair is an old, well-worn wooden seat that has become one of the pub’s most talked-about curiosities.
According to local legend, any woman who sits in the chair will be blessed with increased fertility and is likely to conceive shortly thereafter.
This belief has been passed down through generations and remains a popular topic of conversation among visitors.
The Mystery of the ‘Cursed Galleon’
Perhaps the most infamous of all the pub’s artifacts is the ‘cursed galleon.’
This wooden model ship, hanging prominently in the Rock Lounge on the second floor, has garnered a reputation within both local folklore and the paranormal community.
According to legend, the galleon was gifted to the pub by a sailor and has been associated with a series of mysterious deaths.
It is said that those who have attempted to clean or move the galleon have met untimely ends, leading subsequent landlords to leave it undisturbed and encased in glass for protection.
Recent accounts from the current landlord, Karl Gibson, include strange occurrences during a photo shoot involving the galleon.
In one photo, the galleon was present but not Karl, while in another, Karl appeared without the galleon—a baffling occurrence that adds to the mystique surrounding this cursed artifact.
Ghostly Tales
Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem is not just renowned for its historical artifacts but also for its ghostly inhabitants.
One of the most famous spirits is George Henry Ward, affectionately known as Yorkey, who served as the landlord from 1894 to 1914.
According to legend, Yorkey loved the pub so much that he never left, even after his death.
Visitors and staff have reported encountering his presence and experiencing unexplained phenomena, suggesting that Yorkey continues to roam the pub he once oversaw.
Another eerie tale revolves around a portrait of an unknown Victorian woman displayed in the snug of the pub.
During a recent refurbishment, the painting was temporarily removed and then rehung in a different location.
To the surprise of many, the woman in the portrait appeared to have a subtle smile on her face after being relocated—a change attributed to better lighting or perhaps a touch of paranormal influence.
A Perfect Spot for Refreshment
Whether you’re looking for a cozy nook to enjoy a drink or a spot in the garden area on a pleasant day, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem has something for everyone.
The pub serves delicious meals daily from 11 am to 10 pm in the Rock Bar, where you can warm up next to the fire in Yorkie’s Lounge.
Visit Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem
Open every day from 11 am, with extended hours on weekends, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem is a treasure of Nottingham’s past and present.
Come along, take a step back in time, and soak up a piece of England’s colorful and sometimes bloody history.
Opening Times:
Monday – Thursday: 11:00 – 23:00
Friday – Saturday: 11:00 – 00:00
Sunday: 11:00 – 23:00
Location: Nestled beneath Nottingham Castle, easily accessible from the city center.
