Golden Cross, Shrewsbury

In 1933, a couple of timber-framed archways were discovered which a local archaeologist dated back to the time of Henry III (1216–1272), but these had apparently been covered by a later building which some unknown authority has assigned to 1428.

The earliest surviving record for the inn is a Bailiffs' Account for 1495, which shows that the sum of 13s.2d was spent on "The King's gentlemen in sextre at the comyng home of Mr Prynce from London".

During the Civil War a group of Royalists from the town regularly met there and were described by one of their number as " a club of good fellowship," while a member of the opposite persuasion referred to them as "a knot of company seekers."

for Shrewsbury, corrupt Tory candidate William Hill bought votes from the local freemen by plying them liberally with food and drink at the Golden Cross.

When local residents heard that their sanctuary was to lose its status, 70 male customers signed a petition of protest, which was sent to the brewery by the landlord.

A compromise was reached with the "Men Only" bar functioning on weekdays, but with the ladies being allowed in at weekends, a situation that continued for a number of years.

However, once he decided to charge a shilling per visit, numbers dwindled until such time as he was able to seal the entrance to the tunnel and store his dustbins in the area.

Golden Cross frontage on Princess Street; the passage named after it – which is a public footpath – starts in its right corner.
From an original watercolour
The Golden Cross is reputed to be the oldest licensed public house in Shrewsbury and records show that it was used as an inn as far back as 1428, some years before the introduction of formal licensing.