The Seven Stars Inn

Seven Stars Inn
The inn from the northwest
Location	34 High Street, Robertsbridge, East Sussex TN32 5AJ
Coordinates	50°59′09″N 0°28′29″E / 50.9858°N 0.4747°E / 50.9858; 0.4747Coordinates: 50°59′09″N 0°28′29″E / 50.9858°N 0.4747°E / 50.9858; 0.4747
Built	c. 1400
Architectural style(s)	Medieval
Listed Building – Grade II*
Designated	3 August 1961
Reference no.	1275146
Location within East Sussex

The Seven Stars Inn is a 14th-century public house in Robertsbridge, East Sussex, a well-preserved example of a medieval building and a typical Sussex village pub. It is associated with historical events, both real and rumoured.

Owned by Harveys, a brewery in Lewes, since February 2002, the pub has existed in its current form for at least 300 years. Built as a Wealden hall house in about 1400, in traditional Wealden timber frame, it is Grade II* Listed, Shown with image here. It was altered in the 16th century, and re-faced in the 19th century, and has a recessed centre, with curved timber brackets supporting the eaves. The first floor oversails on brackets, and has a Crown-post-supported roof.

Medieval Robertsbridge was granted a market charter in the 13th century, and quickly became prosperous. The Seven Stars dates from this era of early prosperity. The earliest surviving building in the village is only 10 years older.

A 1955 photograph shows the Seven Stars on the right.

There are rumours and snippets of folk history associated with the building. Charles II is said to have been confined there for a timeduring his escape from England following the Battle of Worcester. This is unlikely: Charles eventually escaped by ship from Shoreham, having travelled from the west.

The Seven Stars is listed as one of the Top Ten Haunted Pubs in England. Experiences include phantom footsteps, shadowy apparitions and dogs reacting to sights unseen. The inn was frequented by 18th-century smugglers, so strange noises in the middle of the night might have another explanation.