Red Lion Inn, Southampton

The Red Lion Inn in Southampton is a listed pub with a rich history, dating back to the late 15th to early 16th century. Located on High Street, within the old walled town below the Bargate, the inn is among the oldest buildings 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 so-called Court Room. Legend has it that this room was the site of the trial of the conspirators involved in the infamous Southampton Plot of 1415, aimed at assassinating King Henry V before his departure to the Battle of Agincourt. However, some believe this is just local lore, as historical evidence suggests the trial took place 75 years before the inn's construction. Still, the room remains a firm attraction for visitors, with its rich Tudor-style timbering and historic atmosphere.

The inn is also said to be haunted. Ghostly sightings, including that of 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.

Also adding to the inn’s allure is its Norman-era (12th-century) cellar and its association with some notable historical figures. One such is Juan Manuel de Rosas, former governor of Buenos Aires, who frequented the Red Lion while in exile in Britain in the mid-19th century.

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