10 Fun Facts About Common Pub Names

Which pub name is considered the most common in the UK, often linked to Scottish heraldry?

The Red Lion is widely considered the most common pub name in the UK. Its origins are often traced back to James I of England (James VI of Scotland), who ordered the heraldic red lion of Scotland to be displayed on public buildings.

The pub name 'The Crown' primarily signifies loyalty to what?

The name 'The Crown' has been in common use since the 15th century and often implies loyalty to the reigning monarch or a general royal connection.

Which English king's personal badge, a white hart, inspired a very common pub name?

The White Hart was the personal badge of King Richard II. He made it compulsory for inns to display signs, and many adopted his emblem, making 'The White Hart' a very common pub name.

What historical event is often commemorated by the pub name 'The Royal Oak'?

The Royal Oak commemorates the legend of King Charles II hiding in an oak tree to escape Parliamentarian forces after the Battle of Worcester during the English Civil War in 1651.

The pub name 'The Plough' is most commonly associated with what aspect of British history?

The Plough is a common pub name, particularly in rural areas, reflecting Britain's long agricultural history. It can also refer to the Ursa Major constellation.

Which patron saint of England is featured in the pub name 'The George and Dragon'?

The George and Dragon is named after Saint George, the patron saint of England, and the legend of him slaying a dragon.

The pub name 'Rose & Crown' traditionally refers to the end of which historical conflict?

The 'Rose & Crown' name often symbolises the end of the Wars of the Roses, representing the unification of the Houses of Lancaster (red rose) and York (white rose) under the Tudor monarchy.

What type of establishment would historically be named 'The Coach & Horses'?

The name 'The Coach & Horses' indicates a coaching inn, which provided refreshment and a change of horses for stagecoach travelers in the 17th-19th centuries.

Which common pub name often features a bell, indicating its historical role in summoning staff?

Pubs named 'The Bell' often had a bell outside to summon staff or signal the arrival of a coach, especially in former coaching inns.

The pub name 'The Ship' is most commonly found in areas associated with what?

The name 'The Ship' is naturally most popular in coastal towns and areas with strong fishing or naval traditions.