The Angel in was built between 1444 and 1455 and is the oldest surviving Inn and the oldest surviving building in Andover. Local tradition claims that the site has housed an Inn or Tavern since at least 1174, and that part of the fabric of the current building dates from this time.
The building is grade 2 listed and of more than special interest nationally despite alterations in the 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th centuries the Medieval timber frame features and decorative details remain remarkably intact. Archaeological and documentary evidence suggests that it was built on the site of a previous Inn, the College Inn which was destroyed in the great fire of Andover in 1434. It was originally constructed as four wings enclosing a central courtyard with an archway, giving access from the street, typical of late medieval times.
The pub now retains the North, and the East wings. The West wing is no longer in existence while the surviving section of the South wing, which is just divided from the Inn for other commercial uses. The main bar room is situated on the ground floor of the North wing which housed stables during the Medieval period. The front bar occupies the ground floor room originally a high status guest chamber and the eastern end of the North wing looking at the High Street during the early 19th century was used for this. The front bar also served as the towns Magistrate Court and Guildhall.
There have been many Royal guests staying at the Angel Inn… none other than King John, Edward l, Edward ll, Henry Vll , Catherine of Aragon, James ll, James Butler 2nd Duke of Ormonde and Prince George of Denmark.
It is said that the Angel Inn is not haunted by royalty or Noble ghosts, but by two elderly farmers. Witnesses claim to have seen the two farmers sitting in the back bar, wearing Victorian clothing and leather gaiters. It is said it is haunted by a black dog from the rebuilding of 1445, where a paw print is still visible on the old floor of the bar.
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