Bear Inn, Cowbridge

lintels of carved stone are notable. The hall fireplace has two shields, one bearing a reversed lion rampant and the other a trefoil.^[2] The hall contains heavy ceiling beams, dated to the late 16th century. The plastered ceiling in the inner room is dated to the early 18th century. On the first floor there are plain-chamfered ceiling beams and roof trusses, although this is obscured.^[2] In the 18th century the first floor was converted into an assembly room, and subsequently the High Sheriff for the county often met with noblemen of the county at the Bear Inn.^[2][3] The Glamorganshire Agricultural Society was established in 1772 at the inn. In this era, the inn served as a stopping point for those in need of changing horses, while other similar establishments, such as the Cowbridge Arms, Royal Oak, and Spread Eagle did not offer such a service.^[4] The northern side of the house once had wing attached to it during the medieval period but this no longer exists.^[2] In the early 19th century, Christopher Bradley was succeeded by Michael Glover as inn host.^[5] In the early 20th century, the county Court occasionally sat at the Bear Inn when it had such needs in Cowbridge.^[6] Nearby is the Cowbridge Grammar School.^[7]