Old Inns

by Cecil Aldin

Old Inns by Cecil Charles Windsor Aldin Old Inns is a lavish survey of Britain’s coaching-era inns, blending travelogue, history, and art. Aldin divides his study into London galleried inns, once the bustling terminals of mail and stage coaches, and the countryside inns that survived into the motor age. Drawing on Patterson’s Roads and Edward Mogg’s 1831 descriptions, he traces routes from London toward Gloucester and beyond, yet continually departs from a strict map to observe the inns’ yards, arches, timbers, and characteristic landlords, anecdotes, and legends. The book interleaves historical note, architectural critique, and practical commentary for travelers—discussing signs, colour, restoration, and preservation—while lamenting modern intrusions and celebrating the inns’ human warmth. Richly illustrated with interior and exterior views, it chronicles a social world from the coaching era to the rise of motoring, offering a publisher’s enthusiasm for characterful buildings and the memories they preserve.

236 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2008

About the author

Cecil Aldin was a British artist and illustrator, best known for his work of animals.

Reviews

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read by artist Cecil Aldin. A traveling guide of some of his favorite old inns, he covers at times, history, architecture, the people and the towns around the inns. His approach is very casual and is more an entertaining read of traveling in the early 20th century than an academic work about the history of old inns of England. Recommended to those interested in the subject.