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Jul 9, 2014

Pubs named after commoners


On Sunday the Radio 4 programme Broadcasting House discussed the paucity of British pubs named after commoners, as opposed to nobility and ...

symbols of nobility (e.g. the Red Lion). But are they so scarce in Wales? Here are some we've featured: The Malcolm Uphill (Caerphilly), Y Dic Penderyn (Merthyr Tydfil), The Sarah Siddons Inn (Brecon), Rhos Fynach, (Rhos-on-Sea, Mynach = monk), The John Fielding (Cwmbran), The Black Boy Inn (Caernarfon, depending on which explanation you prefer), The David Protheroe (Neath) and Cobden's Hotel (Capel Curig).

If commoners' occupations count too, we have Ye Olde Murenger House (Newport), The Pilot Inn (Swansea), The Maltster's Arms (Pontypridd) and The Horse & Jockey (Wrexham, named after Fred Archer). However, contrary to what was said on Broacasting House, the Owain Glyndŵr in Cardiff is not named after a commoner - his dad was lord of Glyndyfrdwy and his rebellion was probably sparked by a dispute over land ownership with a neighbouring baron.