Fleece Hotel and Undercroft
Fleece Hotel, Westgate Street, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL1 2RD
The Fleece Inn was built around 1500, one of the “Great Inns” built by St Peter's Abbey. By 1665 it was known as the Golden Fleece which reflected the wool trade. By 1700 it had fallen into disrepair after remaining empty for many years. The Dean and Chapter offered it to the Mayor and Burgesses for £150. The property was sold by the church in 1799 and remained in private ownership until 2004.
Now owned by Gloucester City Council, it is being completely renovated and you have a chance to look at the building work in progress and see some points of interest that have been uncovered.
The 12th century tunnel vaulted undercroft is thought to be the best example in Europe of a rich merchant's warehouse. Known locally as the 'Monks Retreat', it was a lively and much loved bar when the Fleece was last open.
Fleece Hotel, Westgate Street, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL1 2RD
The hotel is being completely renovated requiring Hi Vis jackets and hard hats for the visit. Steep ancient steps making it only suitable for able bodied.