06/09/2026
Our 15th-Century Legacy
The story of The Bulstrode is steeped in centuries of history, tradition and local legend.
According to the historic account, when William the Conqueror came to power, he granted the Shobbington estate—a fine park near Gerrards Cross and Beaconsfield—to a Norman lord. Determined not to surrender his ancestral home, Shobbington gathered his servants and tenants to defend the estate. Legend tells that they rode into battle against the Norman forces astride a herd of bulls—and emerged victorious.
When the King heard of Shobbington’s remarkable stand, he summoned him to court. Shobbington arrived riding a bull and accompanied by his seven sons. He agreed to become the King’s subject on the condition that his family could retain their estate. The King accepted, and the family subsequently became known as Shobbington, alias Bulstrode. Their family arms carried the distinctive emblem of a bull’s head between two wings, with the recorded pedigree dating from 1739.
In 1705, the Manor of Hounslow—which included the Bulstrode Estate and much of the surrounding land—was purchased from the Sawyer family by Mr Whitelocke Bulstrode of Clifford’s Inn, a descendant of John Bulstrode of Upton, Buckinghamshire. The estate later remained with the Portland family for many years before being sold in 1810.
In 1818, the property was sold to Thomas Cane, who converted the hotel into a brewery. It became well known locally and, for generations, was affectionately referred to as “Bully’s” or “The Bull Pub.”
In 2006, the current management took over The Bulstrode, beginning a new chapter in its long story. The venue was developed as a traditional British pub and community social destination, while carefully preserving the character, heritage and distinctive charm of this historic building.
Today, The Bulstrode continues to welcome new generations through its doors—keeping alive a story shaped by history, community and tradition.
Over 500 years later, the heritage still lives on.
