Tewkesbury. Dating back to 1308, it is believed to be the oldest public house in Gloucershire. It originally served as a toll house for travelers using St. John's Bridge, and was used as a hospital during the Battle of Tewkesbury in 1471. Much of its timber framed structure dates back to the 16th century. The sign (of a bear shackled to a tree) is thought to be the crest of the Beauchamps family, Lords of the Manor of Tewkesbury. It is suggested that William Shakespeare performed at the pub, and Tewkesbury gets a mention in one of his plays. There are many reports of hauntings, including an old lady in black, a cavalier in medieval clothing (said to be a Lancastrian soldier from the Battle of Tewkesbury), and of horseshoes flying off the walls. The interior is an open plan with lots of rooms of different sizes including small nooks and snugs. Out back is a large beer garden (and a grill) leading down to the Avon River. I sat there and enjoyed a delicious brisket sandwich with a Black Bear Bitter from Uley Brewery. A great conclusion to my Tewkesbury pub crawl.