The Old Wellington
The Old Wellington is a half-timbered pub built in 1552, the oldest building of its kind in Manchester city centre. After damage in the 1996 bombing it was taken down and rebuilt in Shambles Square beside the cathedral, where it stands next to Sinclair's Oyster Bar.
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The Old Wellington
Nearly 500 years of history
The building went up in 1552 by the old market square in the Shambles, and the writer John Byrom was born here in 1692, when his family ran a draper's shop in it. It is Grade II listed. In 1971 the whole building was jacked up about 1.5 metres to fit a new development around it.
Moved after the bomb
The 1996 Manchester bombing damaged the pub, and although it reopened in 1997, it was dismantled in 1999 and rebuilt about 300 metres closer to the cathedral as part of the new Shambles Square. Sinclair's Oyster Bar was moved with it, so the two old timbered buildings still stand side by side.
Making a visit
Inside, low ceilings and old beams make it one of the most atmospheric places for a drink in the city. In fine weather the square fills with drinkers. Manchester Cathedral is a minute away, Cathedral Gardens and the National Football Museum are just beyond, and Victoria station is a short walk, so it is an easy first or last stop. It pairs naturally with a look around the cathedral before a drink in the square.
Highlights
- Built in 1552; Grade II listed
- Oldest half-timbered pub in central Manchester
- Birthplace of writer John Byrom (1692)
- Rebuilt in Shambles Square in 1999
- Next to Manchester Cathedral
Good to know
- It shares Shambles Square with Sinclair's Oyster Bar.
- Manchester Cathedral and the National Football Museum are both within a few minutes' walk.
Frequently asked questions
Nearby
Sources: en.wikipedia.org