Unless otherwise stated, the House is situated in a London street.

1. A personification of malt liquor, alluded to by Robert Burns. Three barleycorns equal 1 inch.

2. A heap of Barley; Saxon—mowe; Italian—mucchio. Appears in Hogarth's print 'Beer Street.'

3. Horse and Dorsers or Dorsiters. An old rendering of 'Pack Horse.' Sometimes found as the Frighted Horse, a corruption of 'freighted.'

4. Now a private house. Taylor the water-poet alludes to the incident of the River Nen overflowing its banks and carrying away a man asleep on a hay-cock. The old signboard illustrated this event.

5. Strike—the round piece of wood used in levelling the struck bushel.

6. Larwood and Hotten state that this sign is found in the neighbourhood of nursery gardens.

7. Refers to the Heart of the Holy Virgin pierced with swords.

8. Commemorates 'England's Wooden Walls.'

9. On a board is written:

10. May refer to the Papal Hand raised in blessing. See Bishop Hall's 'Satires,' Book V., Sat. 2 (Larwood).

11. During the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries the Turks were the bugbear of Europe. Similar signs are Black's Head and Saracen's Head and Negro's Head. Negroes with feathered heads were often seen as tobacconists' signs.

12. In this house King Charles I. was given up to the Scotch Commissioners.

13. This tavern alludes to the Duke of Bedford, ground landlord of the district. Pope recommends the house for its cuisine.

14. Lode—a ditch that guides water into a river. (Dr. Brewer.) This inn is situated in the Fen district.

15. One of the oldest licensed houses in England. The Pope's Head in Cornhill was a famous tavern; the alley still remains.

16. This inn has a sign representing this politician with a copy of the North Briton under his left arm.

17. An obsolete term for a large hunting dog. Cf. Packhorse and Talbot.

18. One that carries baggage. Cf. Packhorse, Horse and Dorsers (note).

19. Common as a perfumer's sign in Europe. The Civet is said to produce musk. (Larwood.)

20. Jocularly called 'The gentleman in trouble.' Formerly a starting place for coaches.

21. Once called 'Pig and Whip.' Tradition has it that the present sign refers to a surly tenant.

22. A mammoth beast born at Ketton (near Darlington), which toured England on exhibition at fairs, etc.

23. Baldfaced—a term applied to animals which have a white strip down forehead to nose.

24. Alludes to a fabulous monster supposed to have been discovered at St. Osyth, in Essex, in the reign of Henry the Second. (Larwood.)

25. The Grasshopper was the crest of Sir Thomas Gresham, and may still be seen on weathervane of the Royal Exchange.

26. The papal arms.

27. Scutch—to strip hides. (Dr. Brewer.)

28. The Rising Sun in Islington Road gives notice in 1726 that a fine hog will be Barbecued—i.e. whole roasted, stuffed with spice, basted with Madeira. (Larwood.)

29. These seven stars seem to be the same that are used as a masonic emblem.

30. The Rainbow in Fleet Street has the reputation of being the smallest licensed house in London.

31. Cock and Pymat. Synonymous with Cock and Magpie, or Cock and Pie. Larwood also calls it Pynot.

At the Cock and Pymot, Old Whittington, Derbyshire, was plotted the Revolution of 1688 by the Earls of Danby and Devonshire, and Mr. D'Arcy. (Hone's Table Book.)

32. Pyewipe—a local name for the peewit.

33. A house much adorned by artists.

34. A famous carrier's inn, whence passengers and goods were dispatched to the North.

The ceremony of nicking the Royal and Corporation swans on the Thames still continues.

35. A fine brand of hops used to be imported from WÜrtemburg.

36. Best known as a landmark in the University boat race.

37. Said to derive its sign from Queen Elizabeth having sheltered there. Called in parish books of 1586 'The Queen's Tree.' (Larwood.)

38. Larwood states that this sign is very rare. He gives it the epithet of gloomy, referring to Psalm cxxxvii. 2.

39. Probably alludes to the Druids.

40. From Virginia came the first tobacco brought into England.

41. The best known Tabard was that inn in Southwark whence Chaucer and his party started for Canterbury. The tabard, a sleeveless jacket, still worn by heralds.

42. Does this refer to the thirsty reputation of cobblers?

43. Cravat. Derived from Croats. Introduced into France 1636. (Brewer.)

44. A sign of great antiquity. It is found in 1562, and was probably originally a tobacconist's sign.

The Calves Head Club met at the Black Boy, Newgate Street. Variations of the sign are the Arab Boy, East Sheen; the Black Boys, Aylsham.

45. Stow mentions a Black Bell in Fish Street Hill.

46. This may refer to some ghostly hound.

47. This inn is extinct. The name is a variant of leather bottle.

48. The Black Lion appears in the arms of Queen Philippa, Consort of Edward III. Also borne by Owen Glendower.

49. The badge of Richard II.

In the garden of this house is the old sign that used to be in Piccadilly on site of the present Criterion.

50. The White Horse in Kensington was frequented by Addison.

51. This house figures in the adventures of Mr. Pickwick.

52. Badge of Edward IV.

53. Refers probably to Robin Hood, or combined as Green Man and Still was found as a herbalist's sign. (Dr. Brewer.)

54. Lincolnshire seems very partial to blue; we find the Blue Man, Boar, Dog, Fox, Bull. Larwood also mentions in the same county—Blue Cow and Greyhound.

55. Larwood supposes this sign to refer to the marriage of James I. with Anne of Denmark.

56. Badge of Cadwallader, ancestor of the House of Tudor.

57. The Red or Roan Horse. Washington Irving's Inn. The badge of Pedro of Castille, father-in-law of John of Gaunt.

58. The House of Martlesham has a lion painted in Post Office Red supposed to originate from a Dutch vessel taken at Sole Bay 1672.

59. Thus the old nursery rhyme

Pope also refers to 'Dappled Flanders mares.'

60. In 1861 there were in the West Riding alone no fewer than 77 inns, etc., bearing this sign. (Larwood.)

61. This sign appears to be unique. Pied.—Variegated; spotted like a magpie.

62. Sorrel. A reddish-brown colour. French—saure.

This and the Chestnut Horse, Great Finborough, refer to the County Breed of Suffolk Horses.

63. This inn bears a pictorial sign with the words 'intactum sileo.'

Larwood also mentions Bell and Bullock; Bell and Lion; Bell and Candlestick.

64. Larwood also mentions Crown and Woodpecker (corrupted from Wool Pack); Crown and Fan (a fanmaker's sign); Crown and Rasp (used by Fribourg and Treyer, tobacconists); Crown and Can; Crown and Tower; Crown and Thistle.

65. This sign refers to the Royal Champion's (Dymoke) appearance at the Coronation ceremony.

66. This inn pays a quit rent of 4d. and a damask rose.

67. A large drinking glass. Dutch—roemer.

68. A curious and unique sign only equalled by the Hunchbacked Cats (les chats bossus) of Lille. (Larwood.)

69. Supposed to be a corruption of Caton le FidÈle. The sign recalls the nursery rhyme.

70. A skit on the Highland drovers who passed that way with cattle for London.

71. A nickname given to this inn by local people. 'The Red Lion.'

72. A skit on Coach and Four, 'Coach and Dogs.'

73. Eagle and Lamb formerly had a pictorial board depicting an eagle preying on a lamb.

74. (a) Misreading of the words God encompasseth us.

(b) Coat of arms of Cordwainers' Company; the chevron corrupted into compasses. (Larwood.)

75. An allusion to the thirteen Protestant cantons of Switzerland; Soho being largely inhabited by Swiss. Cf. Sun and Thirteen Cantons.

76. An allusion to the story of King James and the tinker of Enfield.

77. The crest of the Middle Temple.

78. Maund is an old word meaning basket.

79. (a) A facetious rendering of Bear and Ragged Staff; (b) Pige washail—Salutation to Our Lady; (c) Pig—Scotch for pot; Whistle—Small change.

In Winchester Cathedral among the stall carvings is one showing a sow playing on a whistle and another pig playing the violin. (Larwood.)

80. Part of arms of Clothworkers' Company. Teazel—an instrument to brush velvet.

81. Larwood mentions this house, also Swan and Rummer; Swan and Helmet; Swan and Soldier (? Lohengrin); Swan and Hoop, Moorfields (Birthplace of Keats).

82. Occurs in Larwood's book.

83. This sign, now extinct, recalls the exploits of a soldier of that name during the Peninsular War.

84. It is hoped that this is a case of 'Lucus a non lucendo.'

85. At Winterslow Hut occurred the episode of the lioness attacking the leaders of the Salisbury mail. The Coach and Horses, Clerkenwell, shows a pictorial signboard of this event.

86. Famous for its living sign.

87. The Beehive, Abingdon, displays this rhyme

88. Larwood calls this 'An alluring but maudlin Title.'

89. Has the uncommon sight of a tombstone in the garden.

90. St. Rhadegund, 521-587. A Christian lady, Queen of Franks. Married to Clotaire I. FÊte August 13. (Larousse.)

91. Patron Saint of Woolcombers.

92. This sign showed a man returning home, and to his wife's inquiry as to where he had been he replied 'No place.' Cf. Outis. Ulysses to the Cyclops.

93. Here ended the Fire of London, September 10, 1666.

94. Once on this board was written:

95. This sign shows two serious looking women trying to wash a blackamoor in a dolly tub.

96. Probably refers to Adam. Cf. Wild Man, Green Man.

97. This inn is now extinct, but the title is supposed to refer to Bonaparte's attempt to invade England.

98. The original sign of this house bore the reputation of having been painted by George Morland.

99. See Boswell's Life of Johnson, vol. iii, p. 261. It is the old dog in a new doublet.100. The Dolphin, Norwich, stands on site of a bishop's palace. The Dolphin in Bishopsgate is mentioned by Stowe 1513, and probably to this house Pepys repaired in 1661.101. Sometimes this sign was on the signboard:

This inn was visited by Pepys in 1669.102. Usually represented by rabbits shooting at men (near Reading), horses riding in carriages, etc.103. The classic name for the Straits of Gibraltar. In 1667 the sign of an inn on the site of the present Hamilton Place, the end of the then inhabited world of London.104. The Jamaica in Bermondsey was reputed to have been once the residence of Oliver Cromwell.105. Larwood thinks that this sign dates from the Spanish Succession question, 1833.106. Noticed by Larwood who states that the Scotch pedlars penetrated as far as Poland in 1569.107. Larwood also mentions Golden Beard, Candlestick, Crotchet (sign of Messrs. Novello), Frying Pan, Maid, Quoit, Slipper.108. Refers to the quest of the Argonauts. Suitable as the sign of a woollen draper.109. An inn of this name at Fulham is supposed to have been frequented by Shakespeare in 1595. (Larwood.)110. The Tudor Badge. Can be seen to-day in King's College Chapel, Cambridge.111. The Trade Mark of City of London Brewery Co.112. The Rummer. See note to Bear and Rummer (67).113. Cf. the Black Jack. Another variant is Messrs. Hoare's sign the Golden Bottle at the well-known bank in Fleet Street.114. Mentioned by Larwood, also the Flank of Beef, Spalding. Also the Shoulder of Mutton and Cucumber.115. This house is famous for the beefsteak pudding.116. This inn shows a very pleasing sign.117. Originating from the hero of a famous ballad. Also gives its name to a place near St. Austell.118. Two brothers who worked as cobblers while preaching the gospel. Henry V. mentioned them in his address to the troops on Agincourt Field, October 25, 1415. Henry V., IV. iii.119. Larwood quotes this rhyme from a signboard at Birmingham

120. Does this house set a gin for the unwary?121. Also in Coutts Road, Bow, in both cases he is represented with his head under his arm.122. From this inn in Aldermanbury a regular service of stage wagons travelled from London to Liverpool.123. Alludes to an old custom of butcher boys serenading newly-married couples.124. Though classified here, is generally reckoned to be a corruption of Bacchanals.125. Becket. An implement for digging peat.126. Sprocket. Used in the Fen country.

Both these inns are near Ely.128. This house displays a gigantic pair of shears as a sign.129. This inn has a pictorial sign showing the weapon, half axe, half spear.130. This inn stands on the site of the stake where the Lollards perished.131. Supposed to commemorate a soldier buried in Winchester who died of drinking small beer.132. Grab was the slang term used in India to denote a foot-soldier.133. Larwood states that Bugle is the local name in the Isle of Wight for a wild bull, and is used as such by a writer of 1688. Cf. French—beugler—to low.134. A musical horn. (Nuttall.)135. Refers to the Plimsoll Mark, invented by Samuel Plimsoll, 1824-1898.136. This sign commemorates Sir Philip Broke's victory. The family seat is quite near.137. Larwood states that this sign has been changed from that of Joe Grimaldi.138. Caulk or Calk. To stuff the seams of a ship with oakum.139. The One Tun near Hungerford Market is mentioned in a newspaper of 1718.140. Larwood mentioned this sign as depicting John Wilkes, John Horne Tooke, and Sir John Glynn.141. Commemorates the two Lords Balmerino and Kilmarnock, executed for their share in the rebellion of 1745. Lord Nithsdale escaped, disguised as a woman.142. Shows two grinning faces and underneath is written

We Three Loggerheads be

and the observer is the third of the trio.143. Also Five Alls.144. A print by Kay shows Dr. Hunter, a Scotch divine—I pray for all; Erskine the Lawyer—I plead for all; A Farmer—I maintain all; H.M. George III—I fight for all; The Devil—I take all.145. Larwood mentions this inn.146. Probably used as a change from Seven Stars.147. Refers to the Cornish arms, fifteen roundles.148. Immortalized by Sam Weller. The hero of Minden.149. 1738-1805. Twice Governor-General of India.150. Afterwards Lord Heathfield, Defender of Gibraltar.151. Abbreviated from Charles Bathurst who developed the adjoining lead mines.152. 1820-1887. The Swedish prima donna who married Mr. Goldschmidt.153. Alias Winchcombe—a renowned clothier who equipped at his own expense 100 men to fight at Flodden, 1523.154. Stands at a Y-shaped corner, vulgarly called a 'Flat Iron.'155. Represented as Headless. Larwood suggests a corruption of heedless. Cf. the virgins in the parable.156, 157. Taken from Hogarth's print. Both this and the following inn have pictorial signs.158. This sign is probably unique and has a painted picture. Many of these lackeys were Irish and had St. Patrick's Day as a holiday.159. A native of Hull. A friend of Milton and confidant of Cromwell, 1620-1678.160. Avalon—an old folk name for this district in Somerset.161. Has a signboard showing John Gilpin on his famous ride.162. A character in Don Quixote. (Dr. Brewer.)163. The Pindar had charge of the village pound and looked after stray cattle. (Larwood.)164. Hero of a ballad.165. This inn existed in 1711. The sign commemorates the two twin brothers of that name born in a wood near Orleans. They were sons of Bellisant and nephews of King Pepin. (Dr. Brewer.)166. Larwood mentioned this inn and states that the sign commemorates Christian IV., father-in-law of James I.—being so near Newgate the landlord was wealthy.167. Macaulay, quoted by Larwood, mentioned that on all sides painters were touching up Admiral Vernon into K. of P. Frederick the Great, the hero of Rosbach.168. The Czar Peter after his day's work resorted to a public-house in Great Tower Street, the sign was altered in his honour to the Czar of Muscovy Head. (Barrow's Life of Peter the Great.)169. Dutch Graaf—i.e. Count. Probably Maurice of Nassau, Prince of Orange, popular in this country on account of his opposition to the Spaniards in the Netherlands. (Larwood.)170. Smoker. This sign painted by Miss Leighton alludes to a racehorse the property of Lord de Tabley.171. Ostler. Sometimes spelt Hostler, derived from French hostelier, hÔtelier; has lost its original meaning of the 'landlord.'172. This inn commemorates a famous foxhound, 1762, whose exploits are set forth on the sign board.173. Larwood mentioned this a sign of some antiquity. A birdbolt was an ancient implement for shooting at birds.

Printed in England at The Ballantyne Press
Spottiswoode, Ballantyne & Co. Ltd.
Colchester, London & Eton

Transcriber's Note:

Note 127 does not exist in this book.

Minor typographical errors have been corrected without note.

Irregularities and inconsistencies in the text have been retained as printed.