August 2016 Speaker
Brian Billins - the Origin of Inn Signs - 10th August 2016
The Chair introduced the speaker, Mr. Brian Billins, who spoke about the origin of Inn signs. Many have a name with the name of a tree or bush in the title. This comes from the custom of hanging a piece of branch outside a dwelling, when the householder had brewed some ale and it was available for sale. For many centuries beer, which was of low alcohol content was a safer drink than water. Other names for inns derive from the name of the local land owner or from the coat of arms of the local lord of the manor. Members found the talk very interesting and some were able to make their own contributions.
Mr. Billins was thanked for his talk and received well deserved applause.