17 Comments
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Stephen Schofield's avatar

Hello and thank you. I would have recommended that the starting point might have been to define what a 'pub' was and why they came into existence. But, I appreciate that space is limited and I'm a bit late now anyway... :)

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How-to History's avatar

Yes indeed, though we felt that would probably worthy of its own post! (watch this space)

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Liz Howlett's avatar

Thanks for this. There are also pub names with religious significance such as the Lamb and Flag and The Cross Keys, as well as ones with Bishop or Monk in the name.

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How-to History's avatar

That is very true indeed. If we amend this post we will add this in.

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Liz Howlett's avatar

Great!

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Sheila (of Ephemera)'s avatar

This was a fascinating read, and excellent additions in the comments!💕 Thank you!

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Helen Gordon's avatar

Sorry, wrong button. The Chequers pub sign originates from Roman times when a chequerboard in red and black was displayed to show that gaming was allowed.

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How-to History's avatar

Oh that is very interesting. What an ancient history that has.

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Robert A Mosher (he/him)'s avatar

I wonder if pub names might also reflect who they expected to have as customers, for example pubs along the old drovers roads along which livestock would move to market or along one of the olde “coach roads” used by travelers using the coaches?

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How-to History's avatar

That's an excellent point indeed. Advertising through a name certainly makes sense.

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Bryan Pready's avatar

Pub names can also become the names of places, other businesses and even whole areas. Examples of the latter in Liverpool are Old Roan and Knotty Ash.

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How-to History's avatar

Thank you that is a good point indeed. If we amend this post we will add this in.

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Bryan Pready's avatar

The eagle and child comes from the arms of the Earl of Derby. Names associated with the family (Stanley Arms, Derby Arms, as well as Eagle and Child) are common in areas near to the family estates in Knowsley, Lathom and Liverpool.

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Lynne Dyer's avatar

Super post - right up my street - thanks for sharing! I've done loads of research into the meaning of the names of the pubs in Loughborough through the ages, and will publish these in some format at some point!!

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Helen Gordon's avatar

A lot of pubs are called ‘The Chequers’ which seems odd u til you know

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