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North East Derbyshire Pub Names The sport of kings is generally well represented in pub names. Sometimes a landlord was able to commence business on the back of a big bet on a winning horse and naturally he named the pub after the horse in question. Other names reflect the great interest that has always existed in racing amongst some regular pub goers. The first two pubs considered can be found at Whittington Moor, Chesterfield, and both owe the origin of their name to their position near the site of the old Chesterfield racecourse.
DONKEY DERBY: A Tom Cobleigh pub which opened in 1997, the name ‘Donkey Derby’ again refers to the proximity of the pub to the old Chesterfield racecourse. Turning now to three pubs that are named
after racehorses: FLYING DUTCHMAN: A beerhouse situated on Packers Row, Chesterfield, the Flying Dutchman closed in October 1910. It was very likely that the pub was named after a famous race horse which won the Derby and St. Ledger in 1849, and the Ascot Gold Cup in 1850. The racehorse may well have been named after the well-known legend of the ghostly ship, feared by sailors, which was said to appear just before impending tragedy. This tale was the inspiration for a Richard Wagner opera composed in about 1840 entitled “der Fliegende Hollander” (“The Flying Dutchman”) and is also the name of a book written around 1834. YOUNG VANISH: There are several variations on the story of the origin of the ‘Young Vanish’ name but the account given here can be verified from records. This pub at Glapwell was originally known as the Blacksmiths’ Arms but was renamed after a successful steeplechaser that won a number of races during the period 1827-31. Vanish was stabled at nearby Glapwell Hall and very possibly the landlord, William Whitworth, with the benefit of local knowledge, backed Vanish in his races. As the winnings mounted, it is said that the grateful landlord renamed his pub. However even this account comes away at the edges, as the first evidence of the pub being renamed is not until 1846, when the licensee was a Thomas Hall. Originally a coaching inn, the pub is said to date back to the 1700’s and licensing records show that it was owned by Scarsdale Brewery of Chesterfield. It was rebuilt in the 1930s and is now a Whitbread ‘Brewers Fayre’ pub. Some accounts also claim that the pub was originally called the ‘Gardeners Arms’ in the 1700’s but unfortunately no documentary evidence survives to confirm this. Jim McIntosh Pub Signs - The Queens
Arms - Taddington The use of the inn signs can be traced back to the Romans. In this country the early tradition was to place an ale stake, on which a bundle of barley or something similar was hung, outside an alehouse or inn. By the 14th century, the law compelled an innkeeper to display a sign. In fact, at a time when most people were illiterate, it was normal for business premises to display the sign of the trade being carried on. The next step was to start displaying a recognised symbol such as the sign of the reigning monarch (e.g. a White Hart for Richard II). The purpose of this article is to give an insight into the fascinating background to many pub names and signs. Pub names in particular have played an important part in our heritage but the traditional names are under threat and have recently even received support from the Culture Secretary, Chris Smith. One suggestion is that planning permission should be required for alterations to names to prevent meaningless changes to another temporary pseudo-Irish theme. To help our understanding of names and signs, a brief explanation of the ancient art of heraldry will give useful background information. Heraldry has traditionally been concerned with all matters relating to armorial bearings (shields etc). Today it is principally concerned with the study and regulation of coats of arms, insignia and other badges according to established conventions, practices and precedents. Heraldry uses its own language and
conventions and the apparent complexity of the subject can be off-putting.
However the basic principles are straightforward and heraldry can be a rich
source of historical information. An examination of the signboard for the
Queens Arms at Taddington shows the principles in action. Richard I was the first monarch to use three lions on his royal arms around 1198 and they remain Englands arms today. When James VI of Scotland ascended the English throne in 1603 (as James I), the royal heraldry of Scotland was included in English arms. Scotlands arms are a red lion within a border of fleurs-de-lis on a yellow background. The fleurs-de-lis are generally supposed to signify the ancient alliance between Scotland and France (historically both enemies of England). Finally the Irish arms, introduced at the same time as Scotland’s in 1603, are found in quarter 3 and consist of a gold harp with silver strings on a blue background. The particular background to the Queen’s Arms at Taddington is that it was known as the Miners’ Arms until the 1890s when the landlord, Nathan Moss, renamed the pub. The Miners’ Arms most likely dated back to the 18th century, maybe earlier, and the name change was an acknowledgement of the decline in importance of lead mining in the locality by the end of the 19th century, and instead the landlord showed his support for the reigning monarch. Suggestions for any other signs that may have an interesting explanation are welcomed and should be sent to the editor. Jim McIntosh This webpage was last updated on Sunday, 07 October 2007 |
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