A Brief History of the Scotch Arms Mews

From its origins as a church to being a Bed & Breakfast in Brampton, we think you will agree that it is colourful, varied and interesting.

The first record shown dates back to 1603, a map showing the site where the Scotch Arms Mews now sits. For certain, the building was erected in 1673 however we are uncertain of whether there was a small single storey building here before.

Around 1646 - 1662 the established Church of English was not Anglican but Presbyterian. The common prayer book was rejected and those clergy who clung to it were dismissed. A Presbyterian vicar set up a congregation in Brampton and the Scotch Arms was used a meeting house for many years to follow.

In 1732 many alterations to the building took place, a second storey added and now included land. In the yard was a row of stables, with an outside staircase leading up to where hay and stable hands would stay, called Ostlers. Upto 25 horses could be stabled here and used for deliveries and personal transport

In the Carlisle Journal of 1827, it states that, “Each Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning a cart and four horses called The True Britton left the Scotch Arms Mews at 7.10am carrying passengers and parcels.

At the turn of the 19th century, Mr John Harding took over the carrier business in the rear yard of the Scotch Arms Inn. To help people from outlying villages on Market Day, the Scotch Arms provided a “Market Room”, which was secure in the inn and where people could leave their bags and any bulky items bought throughout the day for collection by them later when they were ready to return home.

The rear yard of the Scotch Arms Inn has also been used as a cattle mart. Every two months a mart day was held here with cattle and sheep being driven down the streets of Brampton and penned in the yard. This initiative brought considerable extra income to the inn, but was short-lived as developments in road and rail transport made it more convenient for Carlisle and Longtown to become the major cattle markets of the area.

The arch at the front door is a typical architectural feature of many houses owned by wealthy people at the time. Unfortunately, this arch is the only remaining example in Brampton today.