Great Britain is nothing without its zestful pub culture. What began as “tabernaes” – humble Roman haunts that offered food and drinks for weary travellers – back in 43 AD grew into a formidable tradition of social affinity and revelry accompanied by libations.
Historic pubs swarm the kingdom, given its rich pubbing legacy. One of the greats is Manchester’s Old Wellington, colloquially known as the “Old Welly.” Built in 1552, it is notorious for being the city’s oldest pub. Read on to discover more about the historic pub in Manchester.
History of the Building
The Old Wellington was built in 1552, the year England saw Edward VI ascend the throne at the age of nine. It was certainly an unforgiving century, marred by plagues, poverty, and political unrest. It was originally built next to the present-day Market Square, which was known as the Shambles at the time. It then came under the ownership of the distinguished Byrom family in 1554. The property was partially used as their draper’s shop.
The building was central to the Byrom family’s commercial and textile businesses, while also serving as their home. It was here that the prolific English poet and founder of a pioneering shorthand system, John Byrom, was born in 1692 – at that time, the building was the Byrom residence and an office for market tolls. Coming of Age: Becoming the City’s First Pub The Old Welly didn’t become a pub until 278 years after its construction, as it secured a liquor license only in 1830. Thus, it officially became a licensed public house during the early 19th century, 67 years after John Byrom’s death.
It was first known as the Vintners Arms and later as the Kenyon Vault.
Makeovers, Overhauls, and Additions
The Old Welly has retained little of its original structure – throughout its history, it has been redesigned and even rebuilt from scratch.
In the 17th century, a third storey was built, adding to the Byrom family’s roster of business spaces.
Centuries ahead, in the 1970s, the building was raised by 1.4 metres, held up by concrete pillars. This structural change was part of a larger revamping project by the Market Place Centre and the Arndale Centre. The new, taller Old Welly reopened in 1981.
In the aftermath of the infamous 1996 Manchester bombing carried out by the IRA, major buildings around Market Square were shifted a few metres to create Shambles Square. The Old Welly was dismantled and rebuilt 300 metres away from the original site, closer to Manchester’s cathedral; this project cost a whopping £500,000.
Another Contender for the Tag
While it is certainly one of Manchester’s oldest buildings, its crowned reputation as the city’s oldest pub has been controversial. Having acquired its liquor license fairly recently, it has been argued that the Old Welly technically isn’t Manchester’s oldest pub. Its history of restoration further adds insult to injury.
As such, the Sawyers Arms, which opened in 1730, has been touted as the rightful claimant to the title of Manchester’s oldest pub.
Notwithstanding the opposition, the Old Wellington has remained Manchester’s oldest pub in popular imagination, probably owing to the building’s history.
The Old Welly Today
The Old Welly is a significant pitstop in the country’s historic bar crawls, boasting a miscellany of classic pints and pub grub.
A striking example of Tudor-period architecture, the Old Welly is a timber-framed house. Oak beams, antiquated sconces, and light wooden furniture adorn the interiors, evoking the charm of a quintessential English pub. It is also outfitted with a leafy beer garden out front. Three stories tall, the Old Welly also has spaces for private hire. Besides its range of ales, the pub takes pride in its bespoke gin collection – its “palace of gins” has been long lauded by gin aficionados.
The Old Welly has borne witness to not only Manchester’s growth but also the colonial upheavals of Great Britain. Its enchanting old-world charm and riveting backstory indeed make for memorable pints. It’s time to take in the nation’s fascinating history over fabulous English nosh and spirits at Manchester's oldest pub.
