Cotswolds pub and England’s oldest inn up for £950,000 sale

The Shaven Crown, believed to be among the oldest licensed inns in the country with a history of serving pints to patrons dating back to 1384, is up for sale to new owners.

The village pub in Shipton-under-Wychwood, between Burford and Chipping Norton, is currently closed and not trading, and has now been brought to the market by agent Colliers.

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Available freehold with vacant possession, the grade II listed property comprises eight guest bedrooms, a range of distinctive public trading areas, a commercial kitchen, a courtyard and gardens, customer parking, and spacious three-bedroom owners’ accommodation.

The pub is one of England’s oldest licenced inns, pouring pints since 1384 (Image: Colliers)

It’s most unique feature is the medieval Great Hall, a stunning space at the heart of the building that showcase it’s heritage with high ceilings, Cotswolds stone walls and open fireplace.

Peter Brunt, Director in the Hotels Agency team at Colliers, said: “The Shaven Crown is a truly special property and one that I know exceptionally well.

“I was fortunate to be involved in its sale in both 2013 and 2019 and then acted on the letting of the business in 2023.

“Over that time, I have come to appreciate not only the quality of the building itself, but also the affection in which it is held by guests, local residents and operators alike.

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“Having welcomed travellers for more than six centuries, The Shaven Crown has an extraordinary story behind it.

“We are pleased to have been entrusted once again with its sale and are confident that it will attract buyers who recognise both its commercial potential and its importance as one of the region’s most significant historic inns.”

The landmark hotel and pub was refurbished by previous owners Evelyn and Phil Roberts, who invested £600,000 after they bought the property in 2013 and before they sold it on in 2019.

Previous owners Evelyn and Phil Roberts (Image: Simon Williams)

Originally constructed as a hospice for the monks at nearby Bruern Abbey, the aptly named inn still has many of its original medieval features, including its Tudor door, cobbled floors and period features like mullioned windows.

As a hotel it reportedly once hosted Queen Elizabeth I and wartime fascist leader Oswald Mosley.

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The sales agent added that ‘substantial investment’ has been made to revamp the fabric of the property, like its roof and building infrastructure, to preserve its historic character while enabling its future use as a hospitality destination.

The Shaven Crown’s bar seats about 30, with beamed ceiling and fireplace, a snug for around five or six guests and a breakfast room seating 12 to 18 diners.

It’s accommodation offers guests easy access to the Cotswolds, to favoured destinations such as Burford, Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water and The Slaughters, while Oxford, Cheltenham, Stratford-upon-Avon and Cirencester are all within comfortable travelling distance.