Red Lion Inn, Southampton

The Red Lion Inn in Southampton is a Grade II* listed pub with a rich history, dating back to the late 15th or early 16th century. Located on the High Street, within the old walled town below the Bargate, the inn is considered one of the oldest in the city. Its half-timbered design and historic interiors have earned it a spot on the Campaign for Real Ale's National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors.

One of the inn’s most notable features is the room known as the "Court Room." Legend has it that this was the site of the trial of the conspirators involved in the infamous Southampton Plot of 1415, a plot to assassinate King Henry V before his departure to the Battle of Agincourt. However, this is widely considered to be local lore, as historical evidence suggests the trial occurred 75 years before the inn's construction. Despite this, the room is still a point of fascination for visitors, with its rich Tudor-style timbering and historic atmosphere.

The inn is also said to be haunted. Ghostly sightings, including a spectral barmaid visible only from the knees up, have been reported by patrons. Additionally, a mournful procession of ghosts allegedly linked to the plotters has been seen leaving the inn.

Adding to the inn’s allure is its Norman-era cellar, which dates back to the 12th century, and its connection to notable historical figures. During his exile in the mid-19th century, Juan Manuel de Rosas, former governor of Buenos Aires, frequented the Red Lion.

The Red Lion’s long history and intriguing legends make it a must-visit for those interested in Southampton’s past, as well as anyone curious about England’s historic pub culture.