Pub

The local...the boozer...the watering hole...what could be more English than the pub?

Almost every village has one - in fact there are approximately 60,000 pubs throughout the UK. The English have been drinking ale since the Bronze Age, but it was the Romans that first introduced the concept of an actual drinking establishment.

It was during the reign of King Richard II in the 14th century that landlords were required to hang a sign outside their pub. The legislation stated that 'Whosoever shall brew ale in the town with intention of selling it must hang out a sign, otherwise he shall forfeit his ale'.

A Europa series of stamps was dedicated to British Pub Signs in August 2003, and included The Barley Sheaf stamp shown here. You can see another pub sign from this stamp issue on our icon page dedicated to the Pint/Real Ale.

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