Old inns, taverns and pubs abound in southern England. Many are haunted, thatched, old coaching inns, or were used by highwaymen, smugglers and the Press Gangs.

 

Pub writer, Donald Stuart, has collected history, stories, photographs and line drawings of many hundreds of inns and produced a number of books. These books include the origins of inns, architectural details such as inglenook fireplaces, the meaning of  pub names, unusual inn signs, some history of towns and villages including Saxon/Norman names, and oldest pubs in each county; some with history to the 11^th century.  He has also recorded ‘Holy Wells’ near inns where pilgrims went for miracle cures. In many cases the inns were used by Royalty, particularly Elizabeth 1, on their travels throughout the country. Some illustrations show what inns looked like in the 14^th century.

 

Retired journalist Stuart has travelled by train and bicycle to visit many of these inns, so the information is right up to date. Each book contains almost 200 villages with 250 pubs and many illustrations.

 

Stuart has published many pub books and is a member of the Pub History Society, the Inn Sign Society and CAMRA.

 

The following books can be obtained from:  Donald Stuart, 3, Waldeck Terrace, Mortlake, London SW14 7HE for £10-00 each post free. (UK only).

 

Old English Inns (Hampshire and the Isle of Wight)

Old English Inns (Dorset)

Old English Inns, (Oxfordshire)

BOOKS ON ENGLISH INNS

Hampshire

Dorset

Oxfordshire

Royal Oak, Fritham                                Fox and Hounds, Cattistock,              Horse and Groom, Caulcott,