Signs of British pubs

British pubs are not inferior to the popularity his Irish relatives, as has been and remains at the height of most British pub culture.

Polished bars of dark wood, beer taps, cozy semi-darkness, hung with pictures, lamps and wall mirrors traditional pubs century after century privechayut newcomers and regulars. But one of the first things that draws the attention of the visitor - is a sign with the name of the pub and colorful paintings, plays with the name.

It is believed that the inns began to give names since the XII century. Since the ability to read was a luxury available to few owners hung signs over the entrance, through which it was possible to guess the name of the institution. Signs of British pubs are stored in the history and customs of the misty island.

In 1393, King Richard II issued a decree according to which all the pubs and inns were to get their own sign. Before coming to power of Henry VIII in the names of a predominant religious themes (eg "Crossed Keys." - a symbol of St. Peter or the "Ark"), but after the English Reformation, more and more institutions began to glorify it monarch (eg "Head of the King" or "crown". ). In the photo: King's Head, Rochester.

Crown, Rochester.

The name "Angel and Crown" is good enough and the church, and the royal family. In the photo: Angel & Crown, London.

The most popular name in the UK considered the "Red Lion". Its appearance is connected with the coronation of King James I, uniting England and Scotland, in 1603. The Emperor wished that the heraldic symbol of Scotland, a red lion, was present at all the important buildings, including buildings and pubs. In the photo: Red Lion, Avebury.

Red Lion, Lacock.

Red Lion, Colchester.

The White Lion, in turn, was present on the arms of Edward VI and was a symbol of the royal family. In the photo: The White Lion, London.

The name of "Royal Oak" recalls an episode from the life of King Charles II. After the crushing victory of Cromwell in 1651 at the Battle of Worcester the young prince escaped captivity (and most likely, and execution), hidden in the crown of a large oak tree in Staffordshire forest, so was able to secretly sail to France. In the photo: The Royal Oak, Edinburgh.

pubs often named after the British heroes, prominent public figures, writers, generals. Among such people -Shekspir, Lord Nelson, Marquis Granby, the Duke of Wellington and others. In the photo: The Conan Doyle, Edinburgh.

Famous murderers and burglars also left its mark in the title. Gossip exchanged by the travelers for a glass of beer, created a truly legendary images of a robber, such as Dick Turpin or Deacon Brodie's, which you can read in my story about Edinburgh. In the photo: Deacon Brodie's Tavern, Edinburgh.

Signboards sometimes tell us about military victories, national achievements or just about interesting local events. For example, one of Edinburgh's pubs named after Skye terrier Bobby fourteen years guarding the grave of his master on the nearby Greyfriars cemetery. In the photo: Greyfriars Bobby, Edinburgh.

And the other pub in Edinburgh was discovered in an area where previously held public executions, and is therefore called appropriately - the "last straw." In the photo: The Last Drop, Edinburgh.

Animals and birds - quite frequent guests on signs of British pubs. Hounds, foxes and ducks are usually associated with hunting, roosters - with cockfighting, horse - with jumps ... A white horse and still is a symbol of Kent. In the photo: The White Horse, Dover.

Ye Olde Cock Tavern, London.

The Eagle, Rochester.

Coat of eminent family or town often creates the image of the pub. These names can be easily distinguished by the presence of these words arms. In the photo: The City Arms Inn, Canterbury.

Sporting events (eg test matches in cricket the ashes.) - a good reason to celebrate the victory and the bitterness of defeat pour beer at the local pub. In the photo: The Ashes, Maidstone.

The origin of some of the characters from the signage is not clear. Green man, for example - this is the spirit of nature, but that's where he got his horn? In the photo: Greenman & French Horn, London.

And who is this funny knight's namesake restaurant in Rochester? In the photo: The Jolly Knight, Rochester.

inanimate objects, too, are often present on the signs. Three barrels, for example, refer to the winemakers Guild and the Brewers. In the photo: Three Tuns Inn, Huntingdon.

The name "bell" has religious overtones, since the bells were cast for churches and cathedrals. It is expensive, but important things, because of their calls from people determined time. The pub still hang bells ringing which warns visitors that it's time to call it a day. In the photo: The Bell, Stroud.

Signboards there are three-dimensional. In the photo: Beehive, Edinburgh.

pubs on the edge of a town or village is sometimes called the "End of the World". Here not to seek the light of lanterns and torches, and the city wall to protect from thieves attacks. In the photo: The World's End, London.

But these institutions in the suburbs first catches the eye of hungry travelers at the entrance to the city and the last - on the road. In the photo: First and Last, Dover.

In Britain preserved many of the old, sun-scorched signs, even sorry that restore. In the photo: The Castle, Dover.

Some believe that the modern network of pubs with the same type of signs have become a serious threat to the authentic institutions with a rich history. I am convinced of one thing: the tradition of the last to die in the UK. In the photo: Fuller's Ale & Pie House, London.