Somerset's George Inn, set up by money-making monks, is crowned England's oldest pub after tree-ring dating

Historic England says the George Inn in Norton St Philip has served drinkers continuously for more than 600 years. Carthusian monks of nearby Hinton Priory built it in the late 14th century to house merchants visiting their markets and fairs. Building archaeologist Dr James Wright says timbers felled between 1430 and 1432 date its extension. 'We're not guessing at its age,' he insists.

Guinness World Records stopped awarding the oldest-pub title in 2000 because the row grew so fierce.

Dr Wright says most claims about England's oldest pubs are 'myths' with no evidence behind them.

He calls the monks' venture 'a savvy money making exercise', proven by surviving paperwork.