The Talbot Hotel

The Talbot boasts a long and rich history, with its origins dating from 638 AD when a group of monks, in order to give food, drink and shelter to pilgrims and travellers, established a hostel on the site of the present building. This hostel was attached to an old monastery, built by Bishop Wilfred on the site now occupied by part of the Oundle public school. The Talbot Hotel was formerly known as the Tabret (a form of tabard worn by heralds), with the oldest part of the hotel boasting a medieval, timber frame on the Southern side with the New Street arched entrance and stunning original features. The principle feature of the Talbot is a first floor, galleried walkway linking the main southern wing to the New Street frontage. This, originally open, gallery was glazed during the 16th century. This glazing still remains today and is interesting for its authentic 16th and 17th Century graffiti! Of course, it is the story of Mary, Queen of Scots that resonates most strongly in the hotels history. Queen Mary spent the final years of her 18 year imprisonment by her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I, in nearby Fotheringhay Castle. She was tried for treason and executed in the castle’s great hall on the 8th February 1587. The royal executioner stayed at the Talbot on the night before the execution and it is rumoured he enjoyed one too many of our locally-brewed ales!