London's
Historic Inns and Taverns
Donald Stuart
London’s pubs have been at the heart of the
social life of the capital for centuries. In this
new guide to more than 200 of the most interesting
of London’s historic inns and taverns, Donald
Stuart uncovers a wealth of detail that makes fascinating
reading.
Did you know that Karl Marx used to drink at the
Museum Tavern in Great Russell Street, and that illegal
Catholic masses were held at the Ship Tavern in Gate
Street in the 16th century? That George IV once lost
money on a cockfight at the Castle in Cowcross Street,
the only pub in London to be licensed as a pawnbroker,
and that the Great Train Robbery was planned at the
Anglesey Arms in Selwood Terrace? These are just some
of the stories that are told in these pages, along
with tales of hauntings and explanations of the origins
of some of the stranger pub names.
If you want to choose an atmospheric pub to watch
the Boat Race from, or see a small-scale theatrical
production at one of London’s historic pub theatres,
or drink in the same East End pubs as Jack the Ripper
or Dick Turpin, then this book can point you in the
right direction. It is sure to appeal to anyone with
an interest in the capital’s history, as well
as those that simply enjoy a decent pint.
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