Thai Square, 28 George Street, St Albans

Image: © Jo and Steve Turner Taken: 20 Apr 2013

Grade II* Listed early 15th century range of buildings. One of St Albans oldest buildings Thai Square is on George Street that was known in the 15th century as Church (Chirche or Churche) Street. The earlier part on Verulam Road was built around 1400. It may have been built by the Abbey, but in 1446 it formed part of the property of the Priory of St Mary of Sopwell, one of the Abbey's local cells and was then known as The Swan. The medieval inn known as The Swan was renamed the King’s Head probably after the Restoration in 1660. From around 1790 the Kings Head became houses with shops, described by 1818 as “used for a variety of functions; cash stores, tallow chandler and candle factory, oilman”. A picture of 1937 shows part of the building occupied by antique dealer Frederick Mayle whose business apparently started here in 1906. It was also used as a photographic studio and by Stanleys Surgical Supplies. In 1963 it was taken into council ownership who decided that its use as licensed premises would allow people a chance to see the interior of the building. Sold off into private hands in 2006 the Tudor Tavern became a Thai restaurant. Part of Tudor Tavern/Thai Square is in part of the former George Hotel that closed in 1932/3.

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