In April 1923, Country Life Magazine described the Red Lion Inn as “A dignified south east end to the High Street. Renaissance in the matter of style”. The distinctive red brick and stone façade remains the same as when it was built in the 1730s. It has been in continuous use as an inn, enjoyed by both the local community and visitors alike throughout the centuries. The Red Lion has always played a significant part in the life of Lacock and the inhabitants of the Abbey.
In June 1903, the Lacock land agent, Richard Foley, described the interior of the inn in a letter to a prospective tenant: “It is a large house having a bar, bar parlour, private sitting room, kitchen, office downstairs. The first floor has a club room adjoining and 3 or 4 rooms and 3 bedrooms. There is extensive stabling”. Foley also said that the rental of £50 per annum included a 4 ½ acre field, “used for village fetes and ‘amusements’”.
