A Brief History of British Pub Signs - by Erin Blakemore/ SmartNews: Keeping You Current/ SmithsonianMag.com
"There’s arguably nothing more British than the islands' local pubs, which are often accompanied by colorful, hand-painted signs. But why do they exist in the first place? It’s complicated, writes James Hunt for Mental Floss—and the truth spans over 1,000 years of history.
Hunt follows the history of the British pub sign from its 12th-century inception to its modern-day popularity. The signs' clear illustrations were originally created to draw in pre-literate drinkers, writes Hunt. As such, a tavern’s sign became the perfect meeting place, he writes:
…The earliest uses of pub, inn and tavern names would reference the sign directly. People would arrange to meet "at the sign of the Eagle and Child" rather than "at the Eagle and Child." Patrons may not have been able to distinguish the phrase "Hart and Stag" from "Bear and Staff," but they could recognize a picture of these things whether they were a local or a passing traveler..."
Pub signs illustrat the creative names of local watering holes, like the Dog & Sausage in St. Helier, Jersey. (Wikimedia Commons)
Richard
"There’s arguably nothing more British than the islands' local pubs, which are often accompanied by colorful, hand-painted signs. But why do they exist in the first place? It’s complicated, writes James Hunt for Mental Floss—and the truth spans over 1,000 years of history.
Hunt follows the history of the British pub sign from its 12th-century inception to its modern-day popularity. The signs' clear illustrations were originally created to draw in pre-literate drinkers, writes Hunt. As such, a tavern’s sign became the perfect meeting place, he writes:
…The earliest uses of pub, inn and tavern names would reference the sign directly. People would arrange to meet "at the sign of the Eagle and Child" rather than "at the Eagle and Child." Patrons may not have been able to distinguish the phrase "Hart and Stag" from "Bear and Staff," but they could recognize a picture of these things whether they were a local or a passing traveler..."
Pub signs illustrat the creative names of local watering holes, like the Dog & Sausage in St. Helier, Jersey. (Wikimedia Commons)
Richard
A Brief History of British Pub Signs
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