h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I've always been fascinated by the connection between pub names and historical incidents. Most are well known...The Saracen's Head, The King's Oak, The White Horse and so on...but the more obscure ones are really interesting. You've come across some great ones and the entry as a whole was great.

Out of interest, have you ever come across the origin of "The Bull And Butcher" (several in Kent, Sussex and surrounds)? Apparently, it originated after Henry VIII did away with Anne Boleyn. Anne's family name was originally spelled BULLEN and, based at Hever Castle, the family was very well liked throughout the area. They were reputed to be generous and easy-going masters and Anne was especially popular, being quite a looker and charming to boot.

At the time, many local pubs were named "The Bullen" after the family. When Anne was executed, many of the landlords chnaged their pub names to "The Bullen Butchered" in a fit of rage against the King. Of course, Henry heard about this and sent his Marshalls to investigate but word had reached the landlords involved and they hastily changed the names to "The Bull And Butcher", claiming misunderstanding when questioned.

I don't care whether or not this one's apocryphal. It sounds good anyway!

Stay cool.

Garfield

The Eagle And Child in Auckley near Doncaster was formally called 'The Bird And Bastard' until some time nearer towards nowish, when it was changed for obvious reasons.

Cheerio.