The Cross Keys Inn

The Cross Keys Inn is a 17th Century inn.

Being close to the church, The Cross Keys kept the church keys and a copy of the bible. Many inns around the country bore this name for the same reason.

Around the corner in Station Street there is a shallow bath-like slab fixed on the wall, which was once a mortician’s slab. If you peek around the back of the pub you may spot the Chatteris Railway Station sign, which has been attached to a building at the rear.

The pub contains a collection of interesting artefacts. The interior of the restaurant contains a well, and stones that could have originated from the medieval Chatteris Abbey.

The famous diarist Samuel Pepys stayed overnight in Chatteris on Friday, 18th September 1663 on his way from Wisbech to St Ives. His diary does not say exactly where he stayed, but The Cross Keys is the only hotel from the time that still exists to this day.

Photographs: now and then

Where is it?

Location and directions: Google Maps

Find out more

• The Cross Keys website
• The Cross Keys on Google Streetview
• The Cross Keys on the Chatteris Community Archive
• The Cross Keys on the Historic England register of listed buildings
• Samuel Pepys’ visit to Chatteris

Taking a digital tour of Chatteris?

If you’re taking a Digital Tour of Chatteris, continue along Market Hill in the direction you’re travelling (away from The Palace Ballroom) – taking care while crossing Station Street. You will soon reach the next stop on our tour: The George Hotel and Public House.