History of the Wild Boar Inn

The land on which the Wild Boar now stands, used to be Undermilnebeck grazing common before in the early 1800's an allotment of the Common had a small dwelling erected which was later turned into a basket making workshop by Mr W. Hutchinson. Later on he obtained a licence to sell beer and porter calling his inn The Wild Boar to commemorate the local legend of the famous boar of the 13th century.

The story of the killing of the wild boar says that in the reign of King John (1199-1216) a ferocious wild boar infested the forest between Kendal and Windermere. Tales of the monster's malignant and unwonted ferocity were circulated far and wide, pilgrims paid their devotions at the Holy Cross before embarking upon the perilous journey through the area. It is said that "inhabitants were never safe from its attacks, and that pilgrims... shuddered with fear".

Richard De Gilpin

Richard De Gilpin was determined to free the people from these attacks and tracked the monster through the forest. After a dramatic fight he slew the animal on the spot of the Wild Boar Inn, on the banks of the little stream, ever since known as the Gilpin. After these brave exploits Richard de Gilpin changed his family crest to include a black boar on a gold background. He was rewarded the lordship of the manor of Kentmere by the Baron of Kendal for his exploits and the event was immortalised in a song known as the Minstrels of Winandermere.

On 8th August 1959, the Wild Boar Hotel was purchased by Norman Buckley the great uncle of today's Chairman and Managing Director Simon Berry. The Inn was increased in size considerably ten years later and although things have changed throughout the years since, the Wild Boar has maintained a fine reputation whilst serving thousands of guests and local diners and continues to be one of the most loved Lake District inns. The new rooms and additional Grill and Smokehouse are just another element to enhance the exceptional hospitality for which the Wild Boar has become renowned.

• The Wild Boar is part of the English Lakes group
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