The Red Lion
Elizabeth I died in 1603 and James VI of Scotland became James I of England and the two countries were unified. To celebrate this, many taverns took the sign of the red lion, the heraldic symbol of Scotland and of the new King. The century that followed saw revolution, plague and fire. Tavern sign-writers were in constant demand.

The Parliament's Men
When Civil war broke out in 1642, there was a stark choice. Supporters of Charles I could proudly display the King's Head on their signs but supporters of Parliament thought that a change would be appropriate. When the axe fell on Charles I in 1649, the King's Head could be seen in a very different light.

Black Boy
The mixed European heritage of Charles II could be seen in his dark skin. His mother Henrietta Maria of France affectionately called him her little "Black Boy". Monarchists secretly gathered in pubs which used this name during the years of the Commonwealth.

Royal Oak
Charles had spent his early years on the run from Cromwellian troops. He claimed to have hidden once in an ancient oak tree. The King's birthday was referred to as Royal Oak Day when the monarchy was restored in 1661 and the "Royal Oak" appeared as a new pub sign.

Jack and Jill
Many of our nursery rhymes are based on historical events. One much argued theory is that, during the reign of Charles I, the measures known as the Jack and Jill "tumbled down" in volume, allowing more tax to be raised on a volume of wine. As Charles was later beheaded, was this the "breaking of the crown"?

Plague
Bubonic plague swept across England in 1665 and people lived in constant fear of infection. Many towns and villages cut themselves off, but in the crowded city of London there could be little escape. This was not the time to share a tankard of ale with friends.

Fire
London seemed cursed when in 1666 fire swept through its narrow lanes. In 5 days the wooden heart of the city was burnt to the ground and every wooden tavern and inn from the Temple to the Tower was turned to ash. Thereafter the city of London built its taverns in brick and stone.