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

From the King & Tinker, named after a 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 why the Green Man is sometimes depicted as 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 custom 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 through the country's legendary past.