[Note: This is not to be confused with the more ancient Bell Inn in Charnham Street]

In 1721 a Sun Fire Insurance was taken out on the building by William Ryman (in tenure of Adam Betteridge, innkeeper). The deeds of 33 High Street mention that William Ryman owned both 33 HS and "The Bell".

A further Sun Fire Insurance of 1727 states that the property was in the tenure of George Purvey, innkeeper. William Ryman was owner until at least 1761 (Quit Rent Roll).

In 1771 a Courtleet Presentment required "Paul Pearce, the occupier of the said alehouse effectually to repair the "pitching at the Bell" - i.e. the surface of the pavement outside the building.
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Some date between 1774 and 1790, John Townsend became owner of the Bell Alehouse, until a date between 1805-1917 (Quit Rent Rolls). Another Sun Fire Insurance (1781) gave Thomas Watson as innholder, as did the 1781 Commoners List and 1792 deeds of 33 High Street.

Between 1805-17 (Quit Rent Roll) Richard Compton took over ownership, but he had passed it on between 1818-23 to John Satchel, who was owner until c1861.

By 1841 (census) Jessie Webb was "publican" at The Bell, who continued in that role until soon after  1847. By 1854 (Billing) the publican was William Elliot , who remained there until after 1864 (Billing).

115 High Street, Feb 2007

The Bell, c1875

The Bell, c1908