IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
The Cloud, WOTTON-UNDER-EDGE, GL12 7HG

The Cotswold Way, day four 11:07am

This row of cottages is just to the south of Image, at the east end of The Cloud.

Another view of the rear of the old inn. The white painted building faces onto the main road known as Potters Pond. There are some curious artefacts here including an anchor and an old cannon... Next image http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/775528

The significance of the anchor lies, so I was told, in the connection between the journey of the Pilgrim Fathers to the New World and the old inn. American tourists apparently stop by and are told that the anchor came from the Mayflower. I'm not totally convinced. Next image http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/775529

The owner of the old inn told me that this cannon came from the Mayflower, the ship that took the Pilgrim Fathers from Plymouth to the New World in 1620. There is apparently a connection between Wotton under Edge and the emigrants but it seems a little tenuous to me so I take this possibility with a pinch of salt. Next image http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/775533

I took a wrong turning driving through the town. Fortuitous because if I hadn't I would have missed this, an ancient old inn dating from medieval times. At first glance it looks derelict and abandoned. But it isn't... Next image http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/775516

The old inn looks as if it has been abandoned. Not so. It has a long and interesting history dating back to the 13th or 14th century, or possibly earlier. The property is owned and occupied by a fascinating old gentleman who purchased it from a brewery in 1968 for £2600. It is said to be haunted by a variety of ghosts, was a haunt of highwaymen and has connections to the local parish church. The owner invited me in to take a look around, something he does with everyone who shows an interest in the place. Despite the auras within the building that reportedly interfere with modern electronics, I was able successfully to obtain a number of images from within the place. The interiors reminded me of Snowshill Manor, a National Trust property stuffed with artefacts from a lifetime's collection. The Ram Inn is not quite so grand or so organised but it is chockablock with old fowling pieces, stuffed animals, clocks, a ship's wheel, an insurance mark, paintings, carvings, furniture, bric a brac and some motorbikes. Structurally the building is in a poor state. It is listed Grade II* http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/details/default.aspx?id=128232 but I couldn't find it on the Buildings at Risk register. Next image http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/775521 Diversion to interior http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/779809

The sign has been painted high up on the western gable end of this fascinating old inn. Next image http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/775526

The sadly neglected Ram Inn at Wotton under Edge.