Article By: Eric States / Wikipedia
Ever wonder where the idea of a pub sign came from? Well its kind of interesting that a pub sign actually had a purpose other than the obvious economic benefits it grants to that advertising establishment. In 1393 King Richard II compelled landlords to erect pub signs outside their premises. The legislation stated "Whosoever shall brew ale in the town with intention of selling it must hang out a sign, otherwise he shall forfeit his ale." This was in order to make them easily visible to passing inspectors who would decide the quality of the ale they provided.
Another important factor was that during the Middle Ages a large percentage of the population would have been illiterate and so pictures were more useful than words as a means of identifying a public house, better known as a pub. For this reason there was often no reason to write the establishment's name on the pub sign and inns opened without a formal written name—the name being derived later from the illustration on the pub sign. In this sense, a pub sign can be thought of as an early example of visual branding.
The very earliest pub signs were often not painted but consisted, for example, of paraphernalia connected with the brewing process such as bunches of hops or brewing implements, which were suspended above the door of the public house. In some cases local nicknames, farming terms and puns were also used. Local events were also often commemorated in pub signs.
Simple natural or religious symbols such as the 'The Sun', 'The Star' and 'The Cross' were also incorporated into pub signs, sometimes being adapted to incorporate elements of the heraldry (e.g. the coat of arms) of the local lords who owned the lands upon which the public house stood. Some pubs also have Latin inscriptions.
Other favorite subjects which lent themselves to visual depiction on pub signs included the name of great battles (e.g. Trafalgar), explorers, local notables, discoveries, sporting heroes and members of the royal family. Some pub signs are in the form of a pictorial pun or rebus. For example, a pub in Crowborough, UK called The Crow and Gate has an image of a crow with gates as wings.
In the modern era most British pubs still have highly decorated signs hanging over their doors, and these retain their original function of enabling the rapid identification of the public house—a memorable and prominently located pub sign is still an important means of picking up passing trade. Today's pub signs almost always bear the name of the pub, both in words and in pictorial representation.
So there it is the why’s and where’s of the historic pub sign. This history can be enjoyed and displayed in your home bar, personalized with your name on it, with one from our collection at Personalized sign shop. They are great gifts, great decor and really add a fun nostalgic and personal element to your bar area.
Cheers,
Eric States
http://www.personalizedsignshop.com
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