Preston has played host to a plethora of pub signs through the years, especially considering the city once held a reputation for having a different pub for every day of the year!
Pub names depict everything from local folklore, historic events, royalty and notable characters.
A simple pub sign can hold the key to a town’s past and when it comes to the history of pub names, each one is different.
We’ve dipped into the archives to find some of the best old pub signs that welcome punters to cross the threshold.
21. The New Britannia Inn
In this image you can just about make out the signage for The New Britannia Inn on Heatley Street in Preston. Royal pub names have always been popular but in 1393, an act was passed under the reign of King Richard II where it was compulsory for public houses and inns to have a sign outside in order to identify as such, therefore many pubs chose names relating to the monarchy Photo: John Hughes
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23. The Edinburgh Castle
In keeping with the heraldry theme, the Edinburgh Castle couldn't have a sign depicting much else other than the castle it is named after Photo: Archive
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