Steeped in history…

The Talbot Inn is at the heart of Mells, Somerset, a place which seems to be England in a pint-pot. History, tradition, the great English arts and folklore shape this beautiful little village – described as ‘the quintessence of Albion’by the Independent newspaper.

The Inn itself has been welcoming travellers since the 15th Century, when it was built as a rest stop for coaches running the London to Wells road.

ENGLISH LITERATURE, PHILOSOPHY AND ARCHITECTURE

Mells has connections with the some of the greats of English literature, philosophy and architecture. The war poet Siegfried Sassoon is buried in the grounds of the parish church – a 15th century gem with stained-glass windows by Sir William Nicholson. Sir Edwin Landseer Lutyens, who designed the stunning Mells Park House and London’s Cenotaph, also has his final resting place here.

THE ASQUITH FAMILY

Mells Manor is home to the Asquith family, renowned for their influence on British political and intellectual life. The Asquiths carry the ancient title of Earls of Oxford. Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford, is perhaps the most famous holder of that title, because of claims he was the actual author of the works of William Shakespeare.

LITTLE JACK HORNER

Another noted local family – the Horners – are claimed by some to be the decendents of Jack Horner, the nursery rhyme ‘good boy’ who ‘stuck in his thumb and pulled out a plum’.

According to legend, Jack Horner was the steward of the last Abbot of Glastonbury who helped himself to the deeds of Mells Manor after the Abbot had hidden them in a pie intended for King Henry VIII.