The Old Wellington Inn

The Old Wellington Inn stands in Manchester city centre as part of Shambles Square, near Manchester Cathedral. Built in 1552, it is the oldest half-timbered pub in the city centre and a Grade II listed building. The structure originally stood next to the market square off what is now Market Street. In 1554 part of it became a draper’s shop owned by the Byrom family, and the writer John Byrom was born there in 1692. A third storey was added in the 17th century before it became a licensed public house in 1830. The pub’s past includes colourful episodes such as John Shaw’s Punch House, where strict rules were enforced with a horsewhip and mop bucket. After surviving the Manchester Blitz, the building was raised five feet in 1971 to align with new walkways. It was rebuilt internally to meet modern regulations, though the Tudor façade was preserved. Damaged in the 1996 bombing, it was later moved 300 metres to form Shambles Square. Inside, visitors find a bar with low beams including one marked ‘Duck or Grouse’. The space retains its historic character despite modern reinforcements. Outside, the inn overlooks Shambles Square, a pedestrian area with other listed buildings. The surroundings blend old architecture with the city’s contemporary layout.