Historic London Pubs

London's Oldest Pub

Were there an award for the oldest pub there would have to be a tie for first place. So many pubs have convincing cases for the title that there can be no outright winner. But one with a good claim is Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese. The current pub was built in 1667 after the Great Fire but replaced an existing pub. The cellar dates to the 13th century and is the remains of an old monastery. Since brewing was an undertaking of monks perhaps an ancient alehouse existed here.

Ancient Alehouses

A pub on the site of the Anchor survived the Great Fire. It was from here that Samuel Pepys observed the burning city. However, 10 years later another fire caused its destruction. Its replacement was a favoured drinking spot for Dr Johnson. After the Great Fire two pubs - the Old Bell Tavern and the original Ye Olde Watling - were built. They were reputedly built for labourers and masons working on St Paul's Cathedral.

Not all historic pubs in London call themselves Ye this or Old(e) that! Spaniards Inn on Hampstead Heath traces its origins back to 1585 although it is not recorded as a pub until the early 18th century. The Lamb & Flag in Covent Garden occupies an ancient building, Tudor to be precise, but it is also not recorded as being a pub until much later.

Pilgrims

Next door to the George Inn in Borough a blue plaque marks the site of the Tabard. Famous as the starting point of Chaucer's pilgrims in the Canterbury Tales, it was demolished in 1873.

For pilgrims of another age the Mayflower in Rotherhithe is both old and historic. It was from the steps near the Shippe, as it was called in 1620, that the Mayflower set sail for America.

Literary Haunts

Many other London pubs have literary associations. The Dove in Hammersmith claims 20th century literary giants Graham Greene and Ernest Hemingway as past customers.

The French House not only served as unofficial headquarters for the French Resistance during the Second World War but also ranks Dylan Thomas and Brendan Behan as former regulars.

Also in Soho, the Coach and Horses is often to be seen on stage. It is the setting for Keith Waterhouse's play Jeffrey Bernard is Unwell.

Of Musical Note

The Dove also has a place as a musical haunt. It was here that James Thomson wrote Rule Britannia.

Fans of the Rolling Stones or the Kinks probably already know that their first gigs took place at pubs. The Rolling Stones played their first gig in February 1962 at the Crawdaddy Club in the Station Hotel in Richmond. The building is now run as a part of the Edwards chain of pubs.

In North London the Clissold Arms is still trading under the same name and was where Ray Davies and the rest of the Kinks first performed together.

Notorious

A number of pubs have gained historical notoriety for the deeds of their customers. The Prospect of Whitby in Wapping is forever connected with "Hanging" Judge Jeffreys. The Lord Chief Justice in 1685 at the time of the Monmouth Rebellion he gained infamy for his treatment of rebel leaders.

The Marquis of Granby was built on the site of the Hole in the Wall, where highwayman Claude Duval was captured. Another highwayman, Jerry Abbershaw, enjoyed his last drink at the Green Man. He was arrested on the premises and hanged on a gibbet outside.

More recently the Magdala was the scene of Ruth Ellis's murder of David Blakely. In 1955 she became the last woman to be executed in Britain for this crime. The Blind Beggar was also the scene of a fatal shooting. Here in 1966 Ronnie Kray killed George Cornell, who had incurred the wrath of the Kray twins.

There are countless other pubs in London with more than a little history attached to them or their customers. However, be aware that with history or notoriety comes popularity.