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The George Hotel, like many buildings which have been in constant use for centuries has changed considerably over the years. It’s famous too as the hotel was a favourite haunt of the Reverend Jack Russell, the famous huntsman who gave his name to the Jack Russell terrier. We’re also mentioned in RD Blackmore’s novel Lorna Doone.
The present building dates from 1730s replacing an earlier inn on the site. The façade is a later addition and displays 12 Grotesque mask keystones which came from Stowe, the demolished Charles II mansion in Cornwall. Other artefacts from the said mansion can be found on the town hall building a few doors down the street from The George.
Moving inside the building, there is a beautiful 18th century ‘Chinoiserie’ fretted staircase and 19th Century dining room (now our Function Room) built over a carriage entrance. The beautiful arched stained glass window in Reception was once part of the snug bar and the glass roof here hides what was once where luggage was deposited from the top of the coach and horses directly onto the first floor. Guests used to have their own post box and what is now the Resident’s Lounge was once we think a ladies parlour room with a corridor through to the upstairs dining room. There was a snooker room and sixteen bedrooms and of course no ensuite facilities but electric and gas fires were available to add to your comfort!. We are listed Grade II by English Heritage and wouldn’t want it any other way.
We have many paintings and photographs showing South Molton and The George in the last century and before and a fascinating hotel brochure from the 1960’s which gives a real flavour of what it was like to be a guest here in those days. Quite a few things have changed of course such as gardens at the rear of the hotel providing fresh produce for the kitchen, but maybe it’s not surprising that many things are the same too. The delights of staying in North Devon for example, shopping in South Molton, excellent food and a warm Devon welcome! The brochure is attached for your interest.
We have real life experience too, because Pam who serves you breakfast in the mornings started work here herself some 25 years ago and can remember many fascinating details such as serving lunches to guests in the upstairs dining room as in those days the Lounge Bar was just that a Lounge and a Bar.
In1845-46 The George became the headquarters and mess for a new hunt combining packs and support of Sir Walter Carew, Mr Trelawney and the now well known Reverend Jack Russell.
There has always been a tradition of public entertainment at The George and we have a poster advertising a performance of Macbeth in 1834. Boxes at Two Shillings or Gallery at One Shilling. We of course are continuing with the many live music and comedy events we hold here for your entertainment.
Over the years, thousands and thousands of people have visited The George and it is held very dear to many people who often turn up in the bar and tell us of times past and what used to be where. Some regular customers remember as youngsters having their first alcoholic drink here at The George and having to make way in the snug for the older respected and regular customers of those days.
Gradually we are trying to piece it all together to come up with a chronological view of how the hotel developed. Anyone with stories or photographs of their own is very welcome to send them to us – all go to form part of the picture.
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