Why Your Local Pub Has That Name: Decoding the Hidden History of Britain’s Drinking Spots
Walk down almost any high street or country lane in Britain, and you’ll pass a familiar portrait of history: The Red Lion, The Crown, The Royal Oak, The Railway Inn. These pub names are so woven into our everyday landscape that we scarcely give them a second thought. But each one is a frozen moment in time, a clue to centuries of social, political, and economic life. That quaint pub sign swinging in the breeze? It’s less a logo and more a history book cover.
So, why are there over 500 Red Lions but hardly any Queen’s Heads? And who gets to decide a pub’s name anyway? The story is more regulated and far more interesting than you might think.
“Dog & Pheasant – Worcester Road, Bromsgrove – pub sign” by ell brown is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
A Sign of the Times – The Origins of Pub Names
Before widespread literacy, pictorial signs were essential. The names emerged from powerful, recognisable symbols:
Heraldry & Loyalty: ‘The Red Lion’ was the personal badge of John of Gaunt and later a symbol of Scottish royalty. ‘The White Hart’ was the badge of Richard II. Naming your inn after such symbols was a public display of allegiance (or prudent flattery).
Trade & Transport: ‘The Railway Inn’ marks the 19th-century transport revolution. ‘The Woolpack,’ ‘The Cooperage,’ or ‘The Ship’ speak to local industries.
Religion & Mythology: ‘The Salutation’ (referring to the Angel greeting Mary), ‘The George and Dragon’, these were the blockbuster stories of their day.
The Monarch’s Head vs. The Queen’s Arms – A Telling Disparity
Here’s a curious quirk: pubs called ‘The King’s Head’ or ‘The Queen’s Head’ (depicting a portrait) were once relatively rare, while ‘The King’s Arms’ or ‘The Queen’s Arms’ (depicting heraldic shields) are common.
“3. Pub Sign: Princess of Wales” by Martin Cooper Ipswich is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Why? Historically, using a reigning monarch’s actual likeness on a sign swinging outside a tavern was often deemed disrespectful or even seditious. A coat of arms, however, was a symbol of state and authority, making it a safer, more formal choice. This subtle distinction is a fascinating glimpse into historical etiquette and censorship. All just from pub names in your local area.
From History to Bureaucracy – The Modern Name Game
Today, the romance of naming meets modern regulation. A pub’s name isn’t just painted on a sign; it’s a formal part of its Premises Licence. This licence is the legal document that grants permission to sell alcohol and operate.
This means that changing pub names, for example, from ‘The King’s Arms’ to ‘The Artisan Tap,’ isn’t simply a marketing decision. It usually requires a formal variation to the Premises Licence. The council must approve the change, and there may be a consultation process. It’s a procedure that connects today’s pub owner to a centuries-old tradition of public declaration, now administered through official forms rather than royal decree.
“Peter’s pub, Dublin, Ireland” by Giuseppe Milo (www.pixael.com) is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
https://openverse.org/image/4f895014-b2d9-45a6-a579-9dcc9a3de939?q=pub&p=103
Living History on Your Doorstep
Next time you pass your local, take a moment to look up. That name is a palimpsest. It tells a story of medieval loyalty, industrial boom, or communal identity. And the fact that changing it involves a formal process today is a reminder that these establishments are still vital, regulated social hubs, the modern heirs to the coaching inns and taverns of old. The pub names are living history, one pint at a time.
References & Further Reading on Pub Names
- Why the ‘Red Lion’ is the most common pub name: The Guardian – Notes & Queries. https://www.theguardian.com/notesandqueries/query/0,5753,-2218,00.html
- A guide to the heraldic origins of pub names: CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale). https://camra.org.uk/enjoying-real-ale/pub-names/
- The history of the White Hart as a royal badge: Historic Royal Palaces. https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/history-and-stories/the-white-hart/
- Why ‘King’s Arms’ is more common than ‘King’s Head’: Jane Peyton for The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/wordofmouth/2011/nov/02/why-pubs-called-kings-head-arms
- Official UK government process for varying a Premises Licence (including name changes): GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/change-premises-licence
- For in-depth pub history research: The Pub History Society. https://www.pubhistorysociety.co.uk/
