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The pictures and curious names which attract us as we pass an inn
door have some curios stories to tell.
We notice a very curious collection of animals sometimes, In olden
days, other houses of tradesmen besides inns had signs. Grocers,
tailors, candlestick-makers, all had signs; but most of these have
disappeared.
One reason for the funny mixture of animals and other things which we
see on signs is that an apprentice, when he had finished his time, adopted some sign, and then joined with
it the sign of his old master.
Another reason for these funny names was the ignorant person :)- who
did not understand a paticular word, for example the sign for the "The Swan with Two
Necks" was in fact "The Swan with Two Nicks"
(nicks were marks cut on a swan's bill to distinguish it from other
swans
Pig & Whistle, The phrase 'Pigs and Whistles' dates back over
300 years, and means 'Rack and ruin'.
Crown & Anchor, The Crown and Anchor is for Sailors loyal to the
Monarch.
Green Dragon, A Green Dragon is actually another Heraldic symbol,
Welsh origin, and represented loyalty to the Earls of Pembroke.
Heraldically, the Green Dragon is more welsh than the Red Dragon,
which appears on the flag.
Signs Bookseller
Perfumer
Locksmith Apothecary
Barber Shoemaker
Grocer Pawn
Broker Inn
Sign Meanings |
