{"id":1615,"date":"2016-10-23T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2016-10-23T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/the-history-of-pub-names\/"},"modified":"2025-11-10T14:48:54","modified_gmt":"2025-11-10T14:48:54","slug":"the-history-of-pub-names","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/the-history-of-pub-names\/","title":{"rendered":"The History of Pub Names"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t\t<header id=\"block_51c0f446182b7372cc3845a6af57c323\" class=\"SingleHero skip-lazy default\">\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"SingleHero__categories\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities\/map-reading\/\" class=\"category\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMap Reading\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/tag\/history\/\" class=\"category\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHistory\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/tag\/place-names\/\" class=\"category\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPlace Names\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"SingleHero__title\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThe History of Pub Names\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row justify-content-center align-items-center SingleHero__author\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto name\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBy Mary-Ann Ochota\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<p class=\"SingleHero__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPublished on \t\t\t\t\t\t<time datetime=\"2016-10-23T00:00:00+00:00\" itemprop=\"datePublished\">October 23, 2016<\/time>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"dot\"><\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t6 min read\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"SingleHero__thumbnail\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"485\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/pub_walk_hero_2.188be8df064f22bfc6a3d3c2fcd58dc7.png\" class=\"attachment-hd size-hd wp-post-image\" alt=\"A pub next to the river.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/pub_walk_hero_2.188be8df064f22bfc6a3d3c2fcd58dc7.png 1920w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/pub_walk_hero_2.188be8df064f22bfc6a3d3c2fcd58dc7-300x76.png 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/pub_walk_hero_2.188be8df064f22bfc6a3d3c2fcd58dc7-1024x259.png 1024w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/pub_walk_hero_2.188be8df064f22bfc6a3d3c2fcd58dc7-768x194.png 768w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/pub_walk_hero_2.188be8df064f22bfc6a3d3c2fcd58dc7-1536x388.png 1536w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/pub_walk_hero_2.188be8df064f22bfc6a3d3c2fcd58dc7-1376x348.png 1376w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/header>\n\n\t\n\n\n\t\t<article id=\"block_03c42c70b25f1edb253f65e1d4f3c933\" class=\"Universal Universal--post c-small default pt-default pb-default mt-none mb-none    \" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"InnerBlocks\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"lead\"><\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-history-of-pubs\">The History of Pubs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>History-lover and GetOutside Champion Mary-Ann Ochota explores some of the history behind Britain&#8217;s much loved pub names. She also explores that you can tell what&#8217;s occurred in the years before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-many-pubs-are-there-in-the-uk\">How many pubs are there in the UK?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Britain was built on pubs. And even though many \u2018locals\u2019 have closed in recent decades, there were <a href=\"https:\/\/www.statista.com\/statistics\/310723\/total-number-of-pubs-in-the-united-kingdom\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">approximately 45,000 public houses in 2024<\/a>. You\u2019ll be pleased to know that they are often marked on OS 1:25,000 scale (Explorer) maps. Look out for that blue pint tankard symbol &#8211; standing proud at the centre of a village, or as little beacons of blue on lonely roads. They\u2019re some of the most enjoyable features to navigate by!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"582\" height=\"388\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/the_george_and_the_dragon.png\" alt=\"The George &amp; Dragon\" class=\"wp-image-19135\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/the_george_and_the_dragon.png 582w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/the_george_and_the_dragon-300x200.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 582px) 100vw, 582px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.georgeanddragonatgreatbudworth.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The George &amp; Dragon<\/a> sits in the heart of the village, opposite the church. Image: The George and the Dragon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"582\" height=\"388\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/the_george_and_dragon.png\" alt=\"Great Budworth, Cheshire. OS Grid Reference: SJ 66 77\" class=\"wp-image-19134\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/the_george_and_dragon.png 582w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/the_george_and_dragon-300x200.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 582px) 100vw, 582px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Great Budworth, Cheshire. OS Grid Reference: SJ 66 77<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-the-most-common-pub-name-in-the-uk\">What is the most common pub name in the UK?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pubsgalore.co.uk\/stats\/pubs\/pub-names\/#Most\">Pubs Galore<\/a>, the most common pub name in the UK is The Red Lion. It is estimated there are over 500 pubs with this name, followed by The Crown and The Royal Oak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-pubs-free-houses-and-inns\">Pubs, Free Houses and Inns<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Some pubs are Free Houses, meaning they can sell any beer the landlord wishes, others are \u2018tied\u2019, where a brewery or pub company dictates what beers can be sold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An Inn traditionally provided accommodation and stabling as well as food and drink. Coaching inns were regular stops for stagecoaches carrying passengers and mail between major towns and cities. You\u2019ll notice many have courtyards of stable buildings (now often converted) through a gateway high enough to give a horse-drawn coach clearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-can-tell-you-the-history-of-a-pub\">What can tell you the history of a pub?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-cobbles\">Cobbles<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you head in for a pint, have a look around the yard. Look for traces of original cobbled surfaces, designed to provide a low-cost, very durable surface that was smooth enough for wheeled carriages, but provided enough grip to prevent horses from slipping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You may see fancy cobble designs, where the stones have been bedded into the ground end-on. These patterns use more stone and require more labour to construct \u2013 rich landlords showing off!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also look out for stone steps used as mounting blocks to help people get on to their horses, metal rings in walls used to tether horses securely, and drinking troughs. Stable doors may still be in position, or blocked up, and look up for pitching eyes, the first floor circular windows that enabled groomsmen to drop hay and straw from haylofts into the yard below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-swinging-signs-open-for-business\">Swinging Signs: Open for business<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In Roman times wooden poles hung with vine or ivy leaves were placed outside drinking houses to show they were open and serving. The tradition continued after the Romans left, and in medieval times a horizontal ale-stake would be hung with an ivy garland or bush at the end to indicate fresh beer was ready for sale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Painted board signs were used from medieval times, and a law was passed in 1393 stating that if a sign wasn\u2019t hung, the tavern owner would forfeit his or her beer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Picture signs were important when many people were illiterate \u2013 a crown, bull\u2019s head or star were easy symbols to paint and recognise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ivy\">Ivy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Most pubs no longer hang vines or ivy outside. However, look at the brackets that hold the sign \u2013 some of them incorporate vine, grape or ivy shapes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"582\" height=\"388\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/ale_stake.png\" alt=\"Medieval ale stake\" class=\"wp-image-19133\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/ale_stake.png 582w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/ale_stake-300x200.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 582px) 100vw, 582px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Medieval ale stake<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"582\" height=\"388\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/ye_old_george_in.png\" alt=\"Ye Old George Inn\" class=\"wp-image-19132\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/ye_old_george_in.png 582w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/ye_old_george_in-300x200.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 582px) 100vw, 582px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Cast iron vine leaves on the sign outside <a href=\"https:\/\/www.yeoldegeorgeinn.net\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ye Olde George Inn<\/a>, East Meon, Hampshire SU 680 221<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t<section id=\"block_b4e4c0a480c094016560f98295ded487\" class=\"BigCommerce BigCommerce--no-products default pt-default pb-default mt-none mb-none     BigCommerce--slider \"  data-color-scheme=\"default\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t<div class=\"BigCommerceBanner\">\n\n\n\t<div class=\"BigCommerceBanner__content\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"BigCommerceBanner__product\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"393\" height=\"475\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/untitled-design-1.png\" class=\"BigCommerceBanner__product-img\" alt=\"OS Guidebooks and Maps\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/untitled-design-1.png 393w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/untitled-design-1-248x300.png 248w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 393px) 100vw, 393px\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"BigCommerceBanner__subheading\">\n\t\t\t\tEXPLORE THE\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"BigCommerceBanner__heading\">\n\t\t\t\tOS Shop\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"BigCommerceBanner__description\">\n\t\t\t\tWe are with you every step of the way.\u00a0Shop our trusted walking and hiking maps and guidebooks\u2028so you can explore the outdoors with confidence.\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/shop.osmaps.com\/\" class=\"Button Button--orange \" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\tGo to the shop\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"BigCommerceProductsBox\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper BigCommerceProductsSwiper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-wrapper Products\" data-products=\"4190,2842,2843,6591,2977\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row justify-content-between align-items-center swiper-navigation\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-button-prev\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-button-next\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row justify-content-center BigCommerce__button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/shop.osmaps.com\/\" class=\"Button Button--orange \" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\tGo to the shop\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-are-some-popular-and-historic-pub-names\">What are some popular and historic pub names?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Many pubs have changed their names multiple times. This reflects changes in politics, patronage or ownership. The Rising Sun, for example, was the badge of King Edward III (who reigned from 1327\u201377). Although records are sketchy, you can be sure there were more Rising Suns in 1366. There are fewer in 2016! You may still sometimes spot a little sliver of a rising sun at the top of a pub sign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other pubs retain historical links. For example, \u2018Fox and Hounds\u2019 and \u2018Horse &amp; Hounds\u2019 were often meeting points for the local hunt. Inns on routes traditionally used to drive animals to market may be called \u2018The Drovers\u2019. They might commemorate the origins of customers, like \u2018The Highland Laddie\u2019 (which can be found in Darlington, Glasson in Cumbria, Stockton-on-Tees and Hull).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"256\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/pub-sign-banner-1024x256.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19129\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/pub-sign-banner-1024x256.png 1024w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/pub-sign-banner-300x75.png 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/pub-sign-banner-768x192.png 768w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/pub-sign-banner.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ewan Munro\/Flickr The Crown | Ewan Munro\/Flickr The Crown (2) Michael Button\/Flickr The Swan | Ian S\/Geograph Highland Laddie | Peter O\u2019Connor\/Flickr The Sun Inn<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Quirky modern pub names have a longer history than you might think. An editorial in the Spectator magazine in 1710 bemoaned the fashion for foolish pub names, like \u2018Blue Boar\u2019 and \u2018Flying Pig\u2019. Campaigners are currently attempting to protect pub names under planning permission law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-red-lion\">Red Lion<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Black, white, red, golden\u2026many lions crop up on pub signs, reflecting the heraldry of local or national patrons. As we now know, Red Lions are the most common (there are more than 500), and are often attributed to 14th Century noble John of Gaunt or to King James I of England (who reigned 1603-25). James allegedly demanded that all public buildings display the Red Lion to show allegiance to him. In fact, there\u2019s no evidence that James made such a demand, and as the Red Lion features in the heraldic badge of more than 150 English families, it\u2019s just as likely to have links to a local patron as to the king.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/the-red-lion-ub.jpg\" alt=\"The Red Lion Pub, Bakewell\" class=\"wp-image-19151\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/the-red-lion-ub.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/the-red-lion-ub-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/the-red-lion-ub-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redlionbakewell.com\/\">The Red Lion<\/a>, Bakewell<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/the-white-hart.jpg\" alt=\"The White Hart, Coggeshall\" class=\"wp-image-19154\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/the-white-hart.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/the-white-hart-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/the-white-hart-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.greenekinginns.co.uk\/hotels\/essex\/white-hart\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The White Hart<\/a>, Coggeshall<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-white-hart\">White Hart<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Deer, swans, dogs, ducks, bulls, foxes and horses all feature in pub names. The white hart is a rare pale male red deer and was the heraldic badge of King Richard II (reigned 1377-1399). It&#8217;s usually depicted with a chain and golden collar or crown round its neck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-king-s-head\">King\u2019s Head<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Many pubs have changed names in their history. In the 16th Century, following King Henry VIII\u2019s split with the Catholic Church, and the decades of anti-Catholic sentiment that followed, \u2018Pope\u2019s Head\u2019 pubs were frequently renamed \u2018King\u2019s Head\u2019. This was a safer declaration of allegiance. The Lamb and The Mitre, both suggesting Catholic connections, have survived rather better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-crown\">The Crown<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The second-most popular pub name in the country is an easy statement of allegiance to the monarch. It&#8217;s also a very simple symbol to remember, even in a time when most people couldn\u2019t read or write.<\/p>\n\n\n<hr class=\"ad_hr\" role=\"none\">\r\n<div class=\"home_hero_20_mix_match\">\r\n    <div>\r\n        <h2>NEW DOG FRIENDLY WALKING GUIDE BOOKS<\/h2><h4>A collection of brand new books from Ordnance Survey<\/h4>\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.osmaps.com\/books\/os-short-walks-made-easy-guidebooks\/os-swme-dog-friendly-walks\/\" class=\"Button Button--red Button--smaller\"><span class=\"Button__text\">Shop Now<\/span><\/a>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div>\r\n        <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/swmedogs.png\" alt=\"OFFER: save 20\" height=\"250\" width=\"250\" \/>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<hr class=\"ad_hr\" role=\"none\">\r\n\r\n<style>\r\n .InnerBlocks .home_hero_20_mix_match h2 {\r\n    margin-top: 20px;\r\n    margin-bottom: 20px;\r\n}\r\n   \r\n.InnerBlocks .ad_hr {\r\n margin: 20px;\r\n border-color: #9f9f9f;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.home_hero_20_mix_match {\r\n  display: flex;\r\n  flex-flow: row wrap;\r\n  background-image:  linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.45) 0%, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.30) 40%, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0) 50%), url(\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/dog-in-peak-district.jpg\");\r\n  background-position: center center;\r\n  background-size:cover;\r\n  border-radius: 25px;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.home_hero_20_mix_match  > div {\r\n  width: 100%;\r\n  padding: 2% 8%;\r\n  color: #ffffff;\r\n  text-align: center;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.home_hero_20_mix_match  > div:nth-child(2) {\r\n  padding: 0;\r\n  padding-bottom: 0px;\r\n  display: flex;\r\n  justify-content: center;\r\n  align-self: center;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.home_hero_20_mix_match > div > img {\r\n  width: 100%;\r\n  height: auto;\r\n  max-width: 250px;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.home_hero_20_mix_match  h2 {\r\n  font-size: 3rem;\r\n  font-weight: 600;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.home_hero_20_mix_match  p {\r\n  font-size: 2rem;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.home_hero_20_mix_match  a {\r\n  font-size: 2rem;\r\n}\r\n    \r\n.Button--smaller {\r\n  padding: 8px 20px!important;\r\n}\r\n    \r\n.Button--smaller span {\r\n  font-size: 20px;\r\n}    \r\n\r\n\r\n@media (min-width:50em){\r\n  .home_hero_20_mix_match {\r\n    background-image:  linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.45) 0%, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.30) 40%, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0) 50%), url(\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/dog-in-peak-district.jpg\");\r\n  }\r\n  .home_hero_20_mix_match  > div {\r\n    width: 50%;\r\n    text-align: left;\r\n  }\r\n  .home_hero_20_mix_match  h2 {\r\n    font-size: 5rem;\r\n  }\r\n  .home_hero_20_mix_match  p {\r\n    font-size: 3rem;\r\n  }\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n\r\n\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-black-boy\">Black Boy<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Now a rather controversial pub name from history &#8211; Records of \u2018Black Boy\u2019 inns go back at least 250 years. There are four potential origins of the name \u2013 and no-one\u2019s really sure which is the real explanation! The pub could be named after:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>a character with skin darkened by their work, like chimney sweeps or miners covered in soot or coal-dust.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>King Charles II, who was nicknamed \u2018Black Boy\u2019 by his mother, Henrietta Maria of France because of his dark hair and complexion. The name was adopted by Charles\u2019 supporters fighting for the restoration of the Monarchy in the 1650s. Inns using the Black Boy name were possibly declaring their royalist allegiance against Oliver Cromwell\u2019s parliamentarians.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The least watertight etymology is that they\u2019re named after local dark-coloured shipping signals, the name being a misspelling of Black Buoy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/the_black_boy_winchester_geograph.org_.uk_1316460.jpg\" alt=\"The Black Boy Winchester\" class=\"wp-image-19130\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/the_black_boy_winchester_geograph.org_.uk_1316460.jpg 640w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/the_black_boy_winchester_geograph.org_.uk_1316460-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Black Boy, Winchester<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/explore.osmaps.com\/en?lat=51.929935&amp;lon=-1.721447&amp;zoom=13.0000?referrer=GET_OUTSIDE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/site\/uploads\/images\/black_boy_winch.png\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><small>OS Grid reference: SU 487 286<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-hidden-histories-a-spotter-s-guide-to-the-british-landscape\">Hidden Histories: A Spotter&#8217;s Guide to The British Landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Hidden-Histories-Spotters-British-Landscape\/dp\/0711236933\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/site\/uploads\/images\/Untitled_3.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Entertaining and factually rigorous,&nbsp;<em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Hidden-Histories-Spotters-British-Landscape\/dp\/0711236933\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hidden Histories: A Spotter&#8217;s Guide to the British Landscape<\/a><\/em>&nbsp;by British broadcaster and anthropologist, Mary-Ann Ochota, will help you decipher the story of our landscape through the features you can see around you.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"MetaShare\">\n\n\t\t\t<button id=\"likeButton\" data-nonce=\"50b75bdf00\" data-postid=\"1615\" class=\"Button Button--default Button--icon likeButton\"><span class=\"likeButtonText\">Like this guide<\/span><svg width=\"21\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 21 20\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M10.4947 3.09742C8.5448 1.39335 5.66108 1.04464 3.42166 2.95804C0.999337 5.02773 0.647396 8.5134 2.56291 10.9783C3.29002 11.9139 4.70917 13.3196 6.07302 14.6069C7.45283 15.9092 8.82946 17.1399 9.50834 17.7411C9.51258 17.7449 9.51691 17.7487 9.5213 17.7526C9.58512 17.8092 9.66457 17.8796 9.74074 17.937C9.83194 18.0057 9.96286 18.0909 10.1377 18.1431C10.3701 18.2124 10.62 18.2124 10.8524 18.1431C11.0272 18.0909 11.1581 18.0057 11.2493 17.937C11.3255 17.8796 11.405 17.8092 11.4688 17.7526C11.4732 17.7487 11.4775 17.7449 11.4817 17.7411C12.1606 17.1399 13.5373 15.9092 14.9171 14.6069C16.2809 13.3196 17.7001 11.9139 18.4272 10.9783C20.3353 8.52288 20.0377 5.01032 17.5597 2.95074C15.2954 1.06872 12.4424 1.3927 10.4947 3.09742Z\" fill=\"#186571\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n<\/button>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"row justify-content-center MetaShareSocial\" aria-label=\"Share\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"X\" class=\"Button Button--default MetaShareSocial__button MetaShareSocial__button--x\" id=\"share-twitter\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><g transform=\"translate(-173 238)\"><path d=\"M18.9.75h3.68l-8.04,9.213L24,22.5H16.594l-5.8-7.6L4.156,22.5H.474l8.6-9.854L0,.75H7.594L12.837,7.7ZM17.61,20.291h2.039L6.486,2.843H4.3Z\" transform=\"translate(173 -237.625)\" fill=\"currentColor\"\/><\/g><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"facebook\"  class=\"Button Button--default MetaShareSocial__button MetaShareSocial__button--f\" id=\"share-facebook\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><g transform=\"translate(-89 238)\"><path d=\"M14.186,24V13.2h3.279L18,8.4H14.186V6.062c0-1.236.032-2.462,1.759-2.462h1.749V.168A19.34,19.34,0,0,0,14.671,0C11.5,0,9.508,1.989,9.508,5.64V8.4H6v4.8H9.508V24Z\" transform=\"translate(89 -238)\" fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"\/><\/g><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div id=\"likeCount\" class=\"likeCount\">Liked by <span id=\"likeCountValue\">3<\/span> users<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<hr class=\"MetaShare__hr\" \/>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"MetaShareAuthor\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"MetaShareAuthor__name\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBy Mary-Ann Ochota\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/article>\n\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>History-lover and GetOutside Champion Mary-Ann Ochota explores some of the history behind Britain&#8217;s much loved pub names \u2013 and ways that you can tell what&#8217;s occurred in the years before.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":289,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[361,384],"activities":[36],"locations":[],"class_list":["post-1615","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-history","tag-place-names","activities-map-reading"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The History 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