Steeped in a history that whispers of Norman foundations and Tudor intrigue, the Red Lion Pub stands as a remarkable survivor, a tangible link to a past stretching back almost a millennium.

Its stones and timbers are imbued with the city's rich maritime and medieval heritage, making it not just one of Southampton's oldest pubs, but a significant historical landmark.

While the exact date of opening isn’t known, the Red Lion's ancient cellars are widely acknowledged to be of Norman origin, dating to as early as the 12th century. 

This antiquity places it amongst a rare echelon of buildings that have witnessed the ebb and flow of English history for hundreds of years.

The main structure of the pub we see today, however, rose predominantly during the Tudor period, in the late 15th or early 16th century. 

It was constructed as a hall-house, a common form of dwelling for wealthier citizens of the era, characterised by a large central hall open to the rafters. 

This medieval hall still forms the heart of the Red Lion, its soaring ceiling, exposed beams, and original timber framing offering a breathtaking glimpse into the architectural prowess of the time. 

The pub's first official licensing as an inn is believed to have occurred in 1552, formalising its role as a place of hospitality and refreshment that it has maintained for nearly five centuries.  

Perhaps the most famous, and certainly the most dramatic, chapter in the Red Lion's long history is its association with the Southampton Plot of 1415. 

Legend dictates that within the pub's walls, specifically in the beautifully timbered upper room now known as "Henry V's Court Room," a pivotal trial took place. 

Richard, Earl of Cambridge, Lord Scrope of Masham, and Sir Thomas Grey were accused of conspiring to assassinate King Henry V just as he was preparing to depart from Southampton with his army for the campaign that would culminate in the Battle of Agincourt.

The story tells of their swift trial and subsequent execution near the Bargate. 

While some historians debate the precise location of the trial, suggesting Southampton Castle as a more likely venue due to the prisoners being held there, the Red Lion's claim to this historic event is deeply ingrained in local lore and adds a palpable layer of intrigue to its atmosphere. A rubbing from a stone describing the execution can reportedly be seen in the Court Room, further cementing the legend.  

Like many ancient buildings, it underwent alterations and adaptations. Its striking black-and-white timbered façade, so characteristic of "Brewers' Tudor" style, is largely a 20th-century reconstruction. This became necessary after the pub, like much of Southampton, suffered damage during the Second World War. 

The careful restoration ensured that while the outward appearance might have been refreshed, the ancient soul of the building, particularly its medieval core, was preserved.

The pub's historical significance is officially recognised. It holds a Grade II* listing, Furthermore, the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has included the Red Lion on its prestigious National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors, acknowledging the exceptional quality and preservation of its internal features. 

These include not only the medieval hall and galleries but also two impressive 16th-century stone fireplaces that would have been grand focal points for warmth and socialising.  

Beyond its documented history and architectural merit, the Red Lion is also renowned for its ghostly tales. 

The sheer weight of centuries seems to have left an imprint of a more ethereal kind, with numerous reports of paranormal activity. 

Stories abound of up to 21 different spectres, including a spectral barmaid from a bygone era, the mournful figures of the 1415 plotters, and unexplained sounds like heavy boots pacing the ancient cellars. 

These tales further enhance the pub's unique and mysterious character.