Visitors to Manchester city centre can hardly fail to notice the Old Wellington Inn, which stands as a rare and remarkable survivor of the city’s rich past. Or at least, it appears to.
Dating back to 1552, this Tudor-style, timber-framed building is not only Manchester’s oldest pub, but also one of its most iconic landmarks. Nestled beside Cathedral Gardens and a stone’s throw from the modern Shambles Square, the Inn offers a striking contrast between old-world charm and contemporary city life.
Over the centuries, the Old Wellington Inn has withstood wars, weather, revolution and even relocation, preserving its historic character while continuing to welcome locals and visitors alike.
Before we sit ourselves down for a pint, let’s take a look at its past and beyond its oak beams to reveal a slice of Manchester history seldom heard…
The History of The Old Wellington Inn
One of the reasons we’re so intrigued by this place is because the story of the Old Wellington Inn goes back to 1552, which makes it one of the oldest surviving buildings in Manchester.
That’s pretty impressive in and of itself, and it certainly helps that this remarkable structure is a prime example of Tudor architecture, with its distinctive half-timbered façade, steep gables, and overhanging upper floors.
However, the Old Wellington was neither “old” nor named “Wellington” at the beginning of its life.
Originally constructed as a draper's shop with living quarters above for the esteemed Byrom family, the building evolved over the centuries to serve various purposes, including its long-standing role as a public house.
If you haven’t heard of the Byrom family, you probably aren’t too familiar with your Anglican hymns. The patriarch, Ralph Byrom, originally came from Lowton and was a prosperous wool merchant (hence the drapers business) and this is where his son, John, was born.
John Byrom rose to fame during his time for being a notable poet, the inventor of a then-revolutionary system of shorthand and, perhaps most famously, the writer of “Christians, awake, salute the happy morn”, a hymn he supposedly wrote for his daughter Dorothy for Christmas.
By the Victorian era, however, the wool trade had long vanished from the Old Wellington’s walls and its contemporary occupant was just about to move out.
We know this because on Saturday the 29th of December 1827, an intriguing announcement was made in the Manchester courier. It stated that “James Willmott, of the Worshipful Company of Vintners of the City of London, respectfully informs his Friends and the Public, that he has opened the premises lately occupied by Mr Walker, Fishmonger, corner of the Old Shambles, now of Foreign Wines and Spirits.”
This was the dawning of a new era for the Old Wellington, and one that would see it through some turbulent times, including the Industrial Revolution and the Manchester Blitz during World War II. Namely, the sale of alcohol.
In the 1990s, during redevelopment of the city centre, the entire structure was carefully dismantled and relocated to its current spot in Shambles Square, close to Manchester Cathedral. As you might imagine, the relocation was a significant feat of engineering, allowing the building to be preserved for future generations while still maintaining its original character and charm.
Why You Should Visit the Old Wellington Inn
And that leads us up to the present day. So, should you visit the Old Wellington Inn? Absolutely!
If you’re in the area, it’s well worth a detour (not that it really is a detour, the Old Wellington is slap-bang in the middle of the city).
This pub has a bit of everything: links to the city’s routes, authentic history, and, maybe most importantly: it’s a cracking pub.
As one of the must-see historical sites in Manchester, it offers a rare chance to step back in time while enjoying the warmth and character of a traditional English pub.
With its Tudor architecture, fascinating past, and central location in Shambles Square, the Inn effortlessly combines heritage with hospitality. You can admire its beautifully preserved timber-framed exterior, enjoy a hearty meal inside and soak in the atmosphere of a building that has stood for nearly five centuries.
And before we move on from the food, we have to give a shout out to the pies here. If you’re a pie kind of person, this is the ideal spot for you, but if you prefer a burger, you’re also catered for.
Explore Beyond The Old Wellington in Manchester with CityDays
Once you've explored the Old Wellington, why not continue your adventure around Manchester with a CityDays’ Treasure Hunt?
Treasure Hunt tours are a great way to bring family and mates, dates, family or even your colleagues together for an afternoon of great fun and adventure, solving clues and snapping photos.
For more information about our Manchester Treasure Hunts, click here: Manchester Treasure & Scavenger Hunts | CityDays.
