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Church Street, ATHERSTONE, CV9 1HA

The false external timber framing is believed to date from sometime between 1920 & 1930. Despite this, the inn is actually very old, but it has been altered many times over the centuries. The latest thinking is that the oldest parts of the building are very likely to date from within the years of 1480-1520. This means it is one of the oldest surviving inns or pubs in the town, and possibly even the oldest. The earliest known licensee is Richard Robinson in 1652. Image; Image

The sign looks fairly modern, but parts of the inn are now believed to date back to within 20 years of 1500. The name would indicate that it has a long history. The "Sign of the Angel" relates to the guardian angel who guides and protects the lone traveller. Usually old inns with this sign were found near to the entrance to the town, and frequently close to a church. In centuries past both these factors applied to this inn. Image; Image

A very old inn, which originally was joined to the buildings in Church Street on its left. A very long time ago there was also a building on its right, but that was demolished in the late 18th century for a road to be constructed. Today the inn's main claim to fame, is that it is the host of the Ball Game celebrations, on Shrove Tuesday. The game being a very long tradition in Atherstone, and one of the few such that survives. Image;Image

The market place is the heart of Atherstone and markets are held here on Tuesdays and Fridays. The blue notices attached to bollards are reminders to 'stay alert to stay safe' during the Covid-19 crisis.

Formerly the Angel Inn this pub occupies a prominent location in the Market Square. It proudly displays a CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) pub of the year banner.

North Warwickshire CAMRA pub of the year 2018. I had a nice half of Captain Smith's bitter from the Titanic Brewery - went down well. The bar also had a record player playing proper vinyl records.

The market in Atherstone, just after closing time.

Derby Lane is an old narrow lane connecting two of the town's oldest streets, Church Street, and Market Street, which can be seen in the distance. Image

Church Street connects the Market Square with the town's main shopping street, Long Street. The New Swan, a pub dating from the 18th century and now grade II listed, is on the left. On the immediate right is a laundry and ironing service.

The sign for the New Swan in Church Street. It was a Pubmaster pub, but they were taken over some years ago by Punch Taverns. Image