Green Men & White Swans: The Folklore of British Pub Names

0.0

From the KingxA0;& Tinker, named aftera traditional tale in which a disguised monarch surprises a local craftsman, to the Eagle & Child, commemorating "the Lathom legend," many British pub names and signs are steeped in local traditions and ancient belief. Here, one of the UK's leading folklorists explores the stories behind the names, showing where they originated and tracing how they have evolved over the years. She reveals whyxA0;the Green Man is sometimes depicted asxA0;a club-wielding giant with a girdle of leaves and sometimes as a Robin Hood figure, recalls the dramatic tale of local Wiltshire hero Rattlebone, and describes the centuries-old customxA0;that gives its name to the Silver Ball in Columb. She also explains why you seem to be able to find a Red Lion, a Queen's Head, or a White Horse in every part of the country. Enlightening, revealing, and entertaining, Green Men & White Swans is both an intriguing insight into the history of the British pub and a captivating journey throughxA0;the country'sxA0;legendary past.

0.0

JacquelinexA0;SimpsonxA0;is the author of British Dragons, A Dictionary of English Folklore, The Lore of the Land, Scandinavian Folktales, and the co-author ofxA0;The Folklore of the Discworld with Terry Pratchett.