The History of The Bell Inn, Bicester (Oxfordshire)

The Bell Inn, Bicester, was built circa the early 18th century.

Some previous landlords from the 19th century include:

William Gessey
George Elkington
Harry Ryly Jones
William Sheppard

In March 1873, the following advertisement appeared in the Bicester Herald:

"TO BE LET, with immediate possession - The Bell Inn, Bicester, now doing an excellent business. The present proprietor is retiring after carrying on a successful trade for twenty-seven years. For particulars, apply to Mr W. Gessey."

An inquest was held concerning the death of 65 year old Sarah White of Upper Heyford in 1883, "who met with an accident at a dance in The Bell, Bicester. The deceased had been dancing, and was sitting in the tap-room when, whether from giddiness or not is a matter of doubt, she fell off her seat, and her left temple coming into violent contact with the floor, she sustained concussion of the brain, from which death ensued the following evening."

The jury returned a verdict of 'accidental death'.

In 1908, the then landlord of The Bell, Frank Stapleton, accused a navvy called Frank Cox of Ardley of assaulting himself and his wife, Ellen Stapleton. Cox had apparently refused to leave the premises when asked to do so, then began to assault the couple, along with some of their customers. A warrant was issued for Cox's apprehension, as he didn't bother turning up to court when summoned!

(Photograph courtesy of British Listed Buildings).

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