Some Pubs Never Die

Throughout the centuries more public houses and beer-houses have closed down than have persisted. However, some have a long history of dispensing drink and victuals. Before 1811 it is very difficult to find primary evidence, so one has often to deal in probabilities. Alcester has two pubs still trading after a long history. 'The Swan' is mentioned in the 16th century the present building being an 18th century rebuilding; its prosperity greatly increased after 1753, when the road through the town was turnpiked -the 'Swan' then became Alcester' s chief coaching inn 'The Bear' , too, has a long history, with 1767 as a definite date but it may go back long before then. Other inns in our area which undoubtedly have a long pedigree are 'The Mother Huff Cap' in Great Alne noticed in 1746, and Studley's 'Duke of Marlborough' , whose very name seems to place it in the 18th century. There are places which ought to have a long history and give that impression.

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Old Falcon Inn - Bidford-On-Avon : Scene of Shakespeare Legend

'The Green Dragon' at Sambourne is one such: parts of the building are of the 17th century and its position on the salt tracks into Warwickshire is a probable clue. 'The Barley Mow' at Studley, situated near the Priory, is in a historic position and was also the local brewery: its history is probably longer than that suggested by 19th century sources.

There are more pubs in the area which are still trading and may be traced to the early 19th century: some have changed their names but any existence before 1800 is highly speculative.

It is not surprising that some pubs go on and on and others reach a mature middle age: they become almost public monuments and have always been the centres of social life.

The enemy of the old pub becoming even older is the large national brewery, who will change its name or close it down, with no respect for its local history but every respect for the annual accounts.