The Bear is a large and ancient coaching inn. The building dates from the early 18th century, with a 19th century façade, and is Grade II listed.
The route from London to Portsmouth featured the Bear as the second stop and thus often drew the famous and aristocratic. Nelson stopped here and played bowls in the alley that existed at the time.
Charles II, James II and William of Orange are all reputed to have called in on their way to their palaces. In 1890, Kelly’s Directory said the inn had been established in 1529 and added: ‘Coaches stop daily during the season, appointed posting house under Royal seal; stabling for 100 horses.’
The Bear’s closeness to the stately home of Claremont has also brought some interesting visitors. The exiled French King Louis Philippe lived at Claremont from 1848 until his death. His staff stayed at the Bear on his arrival, and for years a pair of jackboots belonging to Louis Philipp’s post boy were displayed in the bar, though why he left them behind was never made clear.
The inn may originally have been a hunting lodge owned by the Earl of Warwick in the 15th century and from this the sign is derived, as his crest was a bear and ragged staff. The ragged staff was removed during Henry VIII’s reign after the Warwicks fell from favour and the sign was reduced to a non-rampant common bear.
So it remained, apart from a short break in the 18th century when the pub was known as the Brown Bear. Young’s bought the Bear in 1888. A hundred years later, in 1988, it was completely renovated, with many of its original features being restored.
