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The Kings Arms Hotel was one of the Coaching Inns, and one of the tallest buildings in Shap. It is believed to date from the 18th century. Before the coming of the railway these inns (the Greyhound, and Queens Head were others) would have been hives of activity, serving the needs of travellers in the great road from England to Scotland. The hotel had a range of buildings to the rear such as stables and coach houses to accommodate the horses and carriages of visitors. There was also an assembly room used for entertainments and the venue of the Pot Fairs and Clothes Fairs held twice a year.
This was also the first post office in Shap. The hotel survived the decline in coaching trade, its size making it ideal as a venue for gatherings. Until into the 1960’s the travelling fairs used to set up in the garth next to the hotel now occupied by two bungalows.
In the left image below of the Hotel, the notice over the door reads: I. Head Licensed Retailer of Wines, Spirituous Liquors, Ale, Porter Tobacco etc. The sign on the wall has a small semicircle at the top reading Kings Arms Hotel, and I. Head, below this is a sign Head Quarters and a badge bearing a cycle wheel and S.C.C. presumably a forerunner of the Cyclist Touring Club.
The image on the right shows the Ullswater Foxhounds at the hotel before the First World War when the licensee was William Capstick, who was Licensed to Retail Sprits, Wines, Ales, Porter, Tobacco etc. The board sign on the wall announces that Celebrated Kendal Ales and Stout from the Whitwell Mark & Co. Ltd. Brewery are sold on draught or in bottle.
The hotel will have had many landlords over the years, the 1851 census records the licensee as Henry Walker. In the 1950’s there was Stan and Mary Balmer, then Pete and Lucy Rylands, the hotel then closed, and had no license. When it reopened, the manager was Clarry Collins followed by Kenneth Hind, Paul and Vikki Francis and Bowman’s; until it was purchased by the Bindloss family in 2017.
After a few minor cosmetic alterations the establishment was ready to open. Kings Arms has some big plans for the future and we hope you all keep a look out for these updates.
