The hotel, originally named The Angel, started as a hostel built by the Knights Templar in 1203 on the Great North Road, which at the time passed through the centre of Grantham.

[6][7][8] Edward III and Queen Philippa stayed at the hotel in the 14th century; their heads are carved on the front of the building.

[12] After this, the next royal to visit was Charles I who stayed on 17 May 1633 to receive homage from the alderman of Grantham at the time, Henry Ferman.

[6][8][13] Oliver Cromwell, fighting against Charles, quartered troops at The Angel in 1643 during the English Civil War, after a successful battle near Grantham.

[16] The 'Angel' part of the hotel's name comes from the gold-painted wooden demi-angels at the front of the building, holding the crown of Richard III.