The oldest building apart from the Church

The Church

The oldest parts of the church building are the 13^th century nave arches, although it is probable that a much earlier building stood on the site. The vestry was originally a chapel built by John de Stilton in around 1338. Most of the church was rebuilt in the 15th century, but the south porch and vestry are mostly c1500 AD. The chancel and vestry were rebuilt in 1808, the vestry being shortened in the process. A gallery at the western end was removed during restoration in 1857 and the South Aisle was partially rebuilt in 1908. The chancel and nave are noticeably misaligned suggesting that they were not built at the same time.

The Talbot

Originally called the Tabard, it was held of the Priory of Bushmead at the time of the Dissolution by Robert Catlyn, paying £10 a year.  In 1545, Henry VIII granted it to Roger and Robert Taverner. In 1570 Robert and Henry Forrest held a mill in Stilton.  A horsemill was acquired in 1590 by James Boulton, together with the Tabard. Before 1590, it had passed to John and Robert White, who sold it in that year to James Boulton.  He settled it in 1597 on himself for life with remainder to William Walter and his wife Clemency.  Walter granted the reversion in 1599 to Richard Symons6who died seised of it in 1606 and was succeeded by his son Richard. The latter sold it to William Downhall, who died seised in 1627 and was succeeded by his son William. 

The Bell

The Bell, an interesting stone house rebuilt in 1642, with mullioned windows and a very fine wrought-iron sign, was in existence before 1515. The Bell Inn was the property of Edward Tebald and Alice his wife, whose daughter, Margaret, with her husband, William Redehede, was suing her parents for possession in 1500–15. 

The Angel

The Bell Inn, although older, was smaller. In contrast, the Angel was considerably larger, once spanning three stories and occupying the entire corner site. Competition for passing trade was fierce!  In 1613 the Herald sat at the Angel Inn to hold his visitation for this part of the county,  and in 1620 it belonged to the Apreece family. The date of 1741 which now shows above the archway is thought to be the rebuild date after the great village fire of 1729

The Woolpack (later The George, then The Stilton Cheese)

The George, with meadow and pasture, was leased for 31 years in 1531 by the priory to Humphrey Bucke at an annual rent of £4 6s. 8d. In 1545, it was granted in fee to Sir Robert Tyrwhit and his wife Elizabeth,  but he sold it the same year to Miles Forrest of Morborne;  in 1549 Edward VI granted the rent of 8s. due to the Crown from the George to Sir Edward Warner, Silvester Leigh and Leonard Bate. The George was sold in 1571, by Robert Forrest to Robert Apreece of Washingley Hall. Prior to being The George it was The Woolpack and records trace back to 1437. The Woolpack occupied the smaller section to the left of the present building.

So from records researched so far The Woolpack is the oldest building. Although it no longer exists in its original form it is believed that one original wall and foundations still exist as part of the present building.