Somerset's George Inn, built by monks more than 600 years ago, is crowned England's oldest pub by tree-ring experts

Historic England archaeologist Dr James Wright says more than two dozen pubs claiming the title are 'not even vaguely close'. Tree-ring dating of the George Inn's beams in Norton St Philip shows the pub was extended between 1430 and 1432. Its stone and timber point to more than 600 years of continuous service. 'Most of what you've heard about the oldest pubs in England are myths,' Wright said.

Monks of nearby Hinton Priory built the inn 'as a savvy money-making exercise'.

Guinness World Records stopped awarding the title in 2000 because the debate grew so fierce.

Wright on the evidence: 'that's the difference between a local legend and a national treasure.'