Description: The Royal Oak pub is said to be the oldest building in the town, with parts dating back to the 16th century. It was purchased by William Stone Brewery from the Batteson Family in 1897 and underwent extensive renovation. This street was named 'Shambles' after the 'Fleshamols' on which butchers laid out their meat for sale in this area, in the 1400's. Streets called 'Shambles' can be found in many other parts of the country, the most notable being in York, and are always associated with butchers shops (some of the shops in York have retained their 'Fleshamol' boards). This picture illustrates how dark, narrow and cramped streets were during the Medieval period. Also of note in this picture is the channel down the middle of the lane, which at one time would have served to take away blood and waste water from the butcher's shops.