The George Inn (now part of the Boston Tea Party) was the property of William Teynterer, Mayor in 1330. His son, William, who served the same office in 1361 and 1375, bequeathed certain property to the Mayor and his brethren, as the Guild of St. George “for the good of his soul and the souls of his wives,” etc. After the death of his widow the George Inn became the property of the Corporation.

The inn was said to have contained no fewer than thirteen guest chambers in addition to the tavern and wine cellar, the buttery, the kitchen, the hostler’s chamber, and the parlour above the warehouse. One of the chambers was known as the “Lombards’ Chamber,” no doubt because of its association with the Lombard banker or exchanger, who was present at all fairs and large centres of trade, to assist in the payment for merchandise, as there would be present merchants from Venice, and Genoa with their silks, velvets, leather goods etc., and other foreign countries. Money-changers from Florence also visited the city, and at this period the corner of the High Street was known as Florentine Corner.

The innkeeper at the George provided board and lodgings. He was not allowed to make beer or bread, but he could buy from the brewer or baker, and supply his guests from his store or warehouse in the same way that he dealt with his wine, cheese, salt fish, butter, etc. In the ordinary way butter was sold by the gallon, pressed into jars, and salted. Cheese was sold in three sizes, 2lb. 4lb. and 6lb. Inland towns had to depend on salt fish and no meat was eaten on Friday’s or during Lent.

* The George Inn lecture and cream tea is at the at the Boston Tea Party on Wednesday 28 August at 3.30pm. Tickets from the Rocketship Bookshop, Bridge St.