Part of the building in medieval times was also known as The Eagle and Child Inn.

The unusual name derives from Sir John Stanley in the 14th century.

Legend recalls the adoption of a child in an eagles nest.

The last battle of the first English Civil War in 1646 took place at Stow-on-the-Wold and reputedly Digbeth Street is so named as the place literally ran with blood from The Royalist casualties.

The ducks were bathing from the blood hence the Duck Bath.

There have been many historic discoveries at The Royalist including a 10th century Saxon shoe two crucifixes a Royalist commanders letter and a tunnel that leads from the bar to the church across the street - there is also evidence of a bear pit.

Still visible in the rooms are the witches marks an ancient frieze and the thousand-year-old timbers.

Evidence suggests that The Royalist began as part of a Saxon community as long ago as 514AD.

In 949AD Saxon Duke Aethelmar founded The Royalist as a hospice that was to shelter