|
 If
there is one thing that's still around today dating way back, it
must be the inn sign. Travellers, merchants, and pedlars needed some
place in which to sleep and eat when they moved about the country,
and inns became plentiful.
In almost every village in England there is an inn, There are
hundreds near me :)- They are landmarks, ask anyone for directions,
and they will tell you to turn left at the Kings Head, Right at the
Peeping Tom, and....
Roman excavations have revealed over a thousand trade signs, a great
many of which belonged to inns. Some of the sign names have deep
meanings, while others are just for fun.
The Red Lion is the most
common pub sign in England, and was an interpretation of the lion on
John of Gaunt's shield.
Names such as the
Norfolk Arms, The Red Lion and the Duke of York are easy to
understand. And medieval symbolism gave precise meanings to many
objects and animals.
An upright bear holding
a pole (Bear and Ragged Staff) indicates a link with the Earl of
Warwick. Most people in Warwickshire know that this badge now
represents the county and is the central motif of the county
council's coat of arms.
The White Hart, with a gold chain around its neck, was the badge of
Richard II. Perhaps the oldest inn sign is that of the Green
Man. It celebrates early pagan rituals and beliefs.
Signs Bookseller
Perfumer
Locksmith Apothecary
Barber Shoemaker
Grocer Pawn
Broker Inn
Sign Meanings |
