Number 10 The Blue Bell Inn

Please note all dates are approximate.

If you have any further information, documents, photos or memories about this shop let us know in the comments section at the bottom or on Annan The History Town Group Facebook page.
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2020 © V Russell

2017 RoM featured this old advert with interesting old photo

Like most of the surviving drinking establishments on Annan High Street, The Blue Bell Inn was a changing post for stage coaches. At the rear there would be large stables for the change of horses, refreshments and possibly an overnight stop over for the travellers. According to trade adverts The Blue Bell was used for slightly more local routes (Dumfries, Carlisle, Langholm) linking to other destinations.

The whole block Numbers (2-10) is a Category B listed building with this statement:

A good 18th and 19th century public house and coaching inn occupying a very prominent position at the entrance to Annan.

According to the owner, the building was built in 1770 by William Stewart, a vinter from Lockerbie, who feued the land from the Marquis of Annandale. The building is clearly labeled as The Blue Bell on John Wood's plan of 1826, with the owner marked as Mr Hope. The lower section closest to the bridge was built in about 1840.

In 1917 all the pubs in Annan were taken into state ownership in order to control the consumption of alcohol by workers in the munitions factory in Gretna. Under this scheme the Blue Bell was refitted internally and the Delft tile fireplaces are probably from this period.

Hans Christian Anderson is said to have stayed here.

Old Adverts

When the State mangement scheme took over running
the pubs of Annan there would be so many adverts!!
Sometimes known as a 'Hotel' sometimes an 'Inn' and occasionally
the word 'The' is added to the name !!