The traditional British pub is part of the scenery of British life. At a recent count, there are around 50, 000 of them in the UK.The oldest—Ye Olde Fighting Cocks in St.Albans—was set up in about 793.
Because of their abundance, the names pubs take are designed to be memorable, but more than that, they are designed to be visual.Outside any traditional pub worthy of its title, you'll find a hanging signboard with an unusual and uncommon illustration(插图) that represents the name of the business.The practice is so well established that even new pubs copy it.But why do they exist at all?
The first British pub signs were created in the 12th century and were simple representations of beer containers and other brewing-related equipment used to tell passers-by that establishments sold beer.This was Britain in the dark ages, when education was in short supply.Since most of the population was unable to read, pub signs were used to inform would-be customers that they could find a drink inside.
The earliest uses of pub names would reference the sign directly.People would appoint to meet at "the sign of the Eagle and Child" rather than at "the Eagle and Child".
Today the tradition remains unchanged largely out of respect for the past, but many pub signs do have some functionality.Remote country pubs often use signboards to point the way to their doors.It's part of British culture that's rapidly disappearing— more than 20, 000 pubs have closed since 1980—but for now there are still more than enough.You can take a moment to appreciate the history and symbolism behind a pub's sign the next time you see one.
