Pubs have been a huge part of British culture for centuries, and now they’ve even entered our homes, creating a growing market for home pub signs.
Pub signs weren’t always around, but they were introduced as a way to appeal to all classes of people and ensure everyone knew where to find the local pub. Even in Roman times, vines were introduced on pub signs to signify that wine was sold there. Vines do not grow as abundantly in England however, and so bushes were introduced instead. Sparking names like the Holly Bush.
Where did pub signs first come from?
Like service stations now, pubs were littered on common travel routes offering drink, food, and sometimes a place to stay. Of course, not everyone knew how to read, so a pub sign with the name on was frankly pointless for attractive customers. Landlords cleverly overcame this and began the tradition of pub names being depicted by drawings.
For example, if a landlord decided to call their pub “Jon’s bar”, no one could read it. However, if we were to call it ‘The Stag’s head’, there would be an image of a stag’s head painted above, making it much easier for locals to recognize the pub.
By the 12th Century, a lot more people were going on pilgrimages, and therefore, we’re looking for places to stay. Monasteries were the typical place to stay, but they soon became overcrowded, and landlords began their new business enterprise: hotels, or more accurately hostels.
Because of the overwhelming connection between monasteries (religion) and a play to safely stay, a lot of pubs began using religious imagery, such as angels and arks to advertise their pub/hostel.
Henry VIII came about next and religious symbolism and its connection to the nation’s pubs was about to be abolished. Due to the King’s severance from the Catholic Church, monasteries were destroyed, and their wealth was confiscated. Pubs rushed to wash of Catholic links and their names and symbols changed too. For example, arks became ships, and a lot of people declared their loyalty to the King, naming their pub things like The Kings Head or King’s Arms.
Landlords soon understood that the humble pub sign was key to their advertising and pub names began to adapt. Many pubs that featured the word ‘Cock’ in them were to advertise cockfighting, ‘Bear’ for bear-baiting, and the same for ‘Bull’.
Similarly, pubs that were in an area of established trade took on their trade’s name. The Golden Fleece for the local wool trade, Bricklayers Arms, etc. Pubs became a hub of activity where local tradesmen and craftsmen could meet and potentially find work or extend credit until they found work.
The Restoration period also brought change to pub names. After the restoration of King Charles II and the removal of Cromwell, loyal patrons named pubs ‘The Crown’.
Later in history, the pub sign was adapted once again. The industrial revolution brought on more channels of travel, including canal systems. Names such as the Waterway or the Navigation were built close to the banks to serve the watermen.
As you can see, pub signs have been a huge part of British history and culture since frankly, their beginning. Their names have adapted across history and have represented political and social uproar at times.
Now the bar sign has made its way into our home, creating home bar signs for all of our lockdown pubs. Home bar signs may not carry the same traditions as genuine pub signs, but they’re a way to get creative.
