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London Pubs Guide » London Pubs Overview » Historic London Pubs
Historic London Pubs
Enjoy a retreat with a drink in a historic London pub
Most pubs which have been around for a while have been there for some time. They have a story to tell about some celebrity and some still have had events take place within their walls that have given them a special historical implication.
London's Oldest Pub
There are quite a few pubs in London area which can be awarded for the oldest pub there would have to be a competition for the top place. Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese can be voted the number one spot though. The existing pub was built in 1667 after the Great Fire but reinstated an active and existing pub. The cellar dates to the 13th century and is the remains of an old monastery. Ever since brewing was an responsibility of monks possibly an ancient alehouse existed here.
Ancient Alehouses
A pub on the site of the Anchor endured the Great Fire. Samuel Pepys observed the burning city right from here. The fact is after 10 years another fire caused its damage. Its substitute 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 constructed. They were apparently authorized for labourers and masons working on St Paul's Cathedral.
Of Musical Note
The Dove has a place of a musical haunt. James Thomson wrote Rule Britannia right here in this bar.
Fans of the Rolling Stones or the Kinks probably by now 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 house 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
Many of the pubs have gained historical notoriety for the actions of their customers. The Prospect of Whitby in Wapping is everlastingly 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 taken into custody. 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 sustained the rage of the Kray twins.
There are innumerable 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 fame.
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