St Albans' own Ye Olde Fighting Cocks is reputedly England's oldest pub, and dates back to the 8th century.

However, the pub - as it is today - was built in the 11th century, allowing rival establishments to dispute the historic watering hole's claim.

Ye Olde Fighting Cocks was once recognised as the oldest in England, holding a Guinness World Record. However, this record was later withdrawn due to it being impossible to verify.

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As we back the St Albans pub's claim for the title, here's England's five other main contenders.

1. The George Inn, Norton St Phillip

Herts Advertiser: The George Inn in Norton St Philip.The George Inn in Norton St Philip. (Image: Google Maps)

The George Inn, in Norton St Philip, has a claim to be "England's earliest surviving purpose-built inn".

"Purpose-built" is the main point of contention here, with Ye Olde Fighting Cocks' earliest use thought to be as a pigeon house.

The George Inn was built in the 14th century and is Grade I listed.

2. Old Ferry Boat Inn, St Ives

Herts Advertiser: The Old Ferry Boat Inn, St Ives.The Old Ferry Boat Inn, St Ives. (Image: Google Maps)

The Old Ferry Boat Inn in St Ives, Cambridgeshire, claims to have origins tracing back to 560 AD.

Although the current building isn't nearly that old, the pub's owners claim that alcohol has been served on the site since before the Vikings invaded Britain.

The establishment is Grade II listed, and currently operated by Green King.

3. The Porch House, Stow-on-the-Wold

Herts Advertiser: The Porch House, Stow-on-the-Wold.The Porch House, Stow-on-the-Wold. (Image: Google Maps)

Claiming to be "Englands oldest Inn", The Porch House in Stow-on-the-Wold is also the "gateway to the Cotswolds".

The pub claims to have been established in around 947 AD, with the current building dating back to the 10th century.

The establishment offers food and drink, and rooms for visitors to stay.

4. Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, Nottingham

Herts Advertiser: Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem in Nottingham.Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem in Nottingham. (Image: Google Maps)

Claiming to be 'England's oldest surviving Inn', Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem was built in 1189.

The pub is also thought to have resident ghosts and was a meeting point for King Richard the Lionheart and his men before their crusades.

Like many Nottingham establishments, caves are situated below Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem that are used for storing beer.

5. The Royal Standard of England, Nottingham

Herts Advertiser: The Royal Standard of England, near Beaconsfield.The Royal Standard of England, near Beaconsfield. (Image: Peter O'Connor on Creative Commons)

Owner of the oldestpub.com website domain, The Royal Standard of England claims to be the 'oldest free house in England'.

The Saxons are thought to have brewed ale on the site, due to a well in the garden providing a good supply of water.

 The alewife at the time, would put a green bush up on a pole to let residents know that the ale was ready.

More recently, the pub has been used for filming movies such as Hot Fuzz and The Theory of Everything.