The Talbot boasts a long and rich history, with its origins dating from 638 AD when a group of monks, in order to give food, drink and shelter to pilgrims and travellers, established a hostel on the site of the present building. This hostel was attached to an old monastery, built by Bishop Wilfred on the site now occupied by part of the Oundle public school. The Talbot Hotel was formerly known as the Tabret (a form of tabard worn by heralds), with the oldest part of the hotel boasting a medieval, timber frame on the Southern side with the New Street arched entrance and stunning original features. The principle feature of the Talbot is a first floor, galleried walkway linking the main southern wing to the New Street frontage. This glazing still remains today and is interesting for its authentic 16th and 17th Century graffiti! Of course, it is the story of Mary, Queen of Scots that resonates most strongly in the hotels history. Queen Mary spent the final years of her 18 year imprisonment by her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I, in nearby Fotheringhay Castle. She was tried for treason and executed in the castle’s great hall on the 8th February 1587. The royal executioner stayed at the Talbot on the night before the execution and it is rumoured he enjoyed one too many of our locally-brewed ales! When Mary’s son, James I, became king on Elizabeth’s death he immediately ordered the castle to be demolished. William Whitwell rebuilt the main part of the Talbot Hotel (which was then primarily a timber-framed building) in the stone transferred from Fotheringhay in 1626. The hotel’s principle staircase was, purportedly, also transferred from the castle. It is believed that Mary descended this very same staircase to her execution. Present day, the Talbot recently completed an extensive renovation, with an all-new glass fronted eatery, completely renovated bedrooms with modern bathrooms and many of the original period features meticulously restored to their former glory, including some beautiful original open fireplaces, exposed oak frames and, of course, the 16th Century gallery. You can see many new photographs of these on our Facebook, or by visiting our website at : www.thetalbot-oundle.com
Thank you for visiting the Talbot Hotel page and taking the time to learn about our hotel and its fascinating history. Please feel free to comment on the page if you have any questions, email us at [email protected], call 01832273621 or even drop us a tweet at - we would be delighted to hear from you.
