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History of Bells Hotel

This page offers you an insight into the history of Bells Hotel including the story of the Grammar School dating from 1570, how it was purchased by the Ludlam family and how it developed into the Hotel and Golf Club it is today. Also on this page, read about the Ludlam Window, a superb example of modern stained glass window in the All Saints Church, Newland.

The History of Bells Since the beginning of its history, Bells Hotel and Forest of Dean Golf Club has been the treasured project of the Ludlam family. However, before its incarnation as a hotel, the buildings of the Bells belonged to Bells Grammar School, which was founded in 1570. The school was originally based in Newland, two miles from where the hotel stands today but land was purchased at the top of Lords Hill, Coleford by the Trustees of The Bells Charity in 1866 and a new school was built, being completed in 1876. This new school provided accommodation for 48 boys, giving the school room to expand on its former 5 pupils. The original school hall is now the Potter's Restaurant.

In 1905 the first girls were admitted to Bells, (albeit as an experiment!) and in 1911, Bells was recognised as a "Secondary School". In 1929 the science block and cloakrooms were built; these buildings have been incorporated into the hotel complex and are now bedrooms 1 to 22, 31 and 32. In 1949, Bells became a Voluntary Controlled Grammar School and their numbers continued to increase, but in the reorganisation of education in 1968, Bells Grammar School closed and all its pupils, along with those from East Dean Grammar in Cinderford were transferred to the new Royal Forest of Dean Grammar School three miles away.

In 1971 the whole of the trust property including the buildings of Bells Grammar School were purchased by Henry Ludlam, owner of the neighbouring Edenwall Farm. Henry made a commitment to completely yet respectfully refurbishing the old school buildings and opened them as a Country Club in July of the same year. The following year saw the transformation of the science block into 16 bedrooms and in 1973 the 120 acres of Edenwall Farm became the Golf Course you see today.

Henry and his wife Joan spent the 1970's and 1980's building up the Ludlam business, carrying out a continual programme of extension and improvements on the buildings and a constant commitment to maintain high standards of care and service for its visitors. After Henry's death in 1991 Joan, along with her son Edward and daughter Kathleen continued with the expansion of the family business, culminating in the opening of the new hotel extension in June 1999. This fantastic addition to Bells incorporated 22 Premier rooms, the Golf Shop and Reception area. Sadly, Joan died in September 1999 on the day of the dedication of The Ludlam Window in All Saints Church Newland.

The vision that propelled Henry and Joan to commit to their project has helped to promote local tourism and has brought thousands of visitors to the area. Their sound business sense and the warm and welcoming atmosphere they promoted made Bells the friendly and successful hotel and golf club.

Local businessman Harry Kear the owner of Forest Hills Golf Club purchased in 2005 Bells Hotel and Golf Club and has since refurbished the Hotel and upgraded the Golf course.

A Note on the Ludlam Chapel

Only two miles from Bells is the magnificent All Saints Church, Newland; a spacious medieval building set in glorious countryside. The large East window of this church , The Ludlam Window, was commissioned by Mrs Joan Ludlam in memory of her late husband Henry, the founder of The Bells Hotel and Forest of Dean Golf Club. It was designed and made by nationally known stained glass artist Henry Haig and is a superb example of modern stained glass. Joan's sudden death, on the day of the dedication in September 1999, prompted family members to dedicate the Chapel to the memory of both Joan and Henry in May 2000.

All Saints Church is not just a museum but an active celebration of art and worship. Its ancient churchyard, with its tombs of every description, is set amidst the beautiful village of Newland and provides a unique experience for any visitor.