Pub names – signs of the times

Pub names – signs of the times

In the middle ages taverns were more than just places for socialising. They were meeting places and rallying points for supporters of various political and religious factions.

These factions often took the armorial badge of their leader as their symbol. It became common for inn-keepers to display the badge on a sign outside their premises to show allegiance to their cause and as a "signpost' for travellers.

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. This imge of the bear was also used by the Earl of Leicester during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

The Star was the symbol of Oxford, who fought in the battle of Barnet.

The Lion was carried by supporters of Norfolk at Bosworth Field in 1485.

A blazing Sun was used by the house of York and the White Swan was the sign of Edward of Lancaster. Edward VI carried the White Rose of York but after the battle of Mortimers Cross he changed his emblem to a Rose within a Sun. This change marked a curious phenomenon reported just before the battle when three suns were said to have appeared in the sky.

The White Hart, with a gold chain around its neck, was the badge of Richard II. Supporters of Richard III wore a boar. The Antelope was the sign of Henry IV, the Beacon was worn by Henry V and the Feathers was the sign of Henry VI.

The Saracen's Head is thought to have originated in the times of Richard the Lionheart. It indicates the gory souvenirs many crusaders were said to have brought back from the Holy Land.

Perhaps the oldest inn sign is that of the Green Man. It celebrates early pagan rituals and beliefs. This sign often depicts a face with tendrils of ivy coming from the mouth and nose.

Occasionally a figure clad in green and in a forest setting may be used to represent Robin Hood – a much later but more socially acceptable 'green man' – however the origins remain the same.

Take time to explore your local inn signs and see how the history of your area is reflected in their names.