Why do Inns and Public House Have Iron Signs

Wrought iron and metal signage is a common sight on farms not just because of the intricate craftwork that goes into their construction or how beautiful they are in a traditional farm setting, but also because of practical necessity. Farms require everything to be rugged and resilient enough to survive the elements, and traditional blacksmithing techniques have demonstrated that they can last through the years, decades, and even centuries when made right.

Metal signage is seen in a lot of places, often used to emphasise the heritage and providence of a long-running local business. Still, one place where it is particularly common is swinging from the wall of an inn or public house.

 Whilst these striking, unusual and often somewhat abstract works of art are generally intended today to serve purely as a piece of advertising and not every pub today uses one necessarily, there was a point where it was not only desirable but legally required.

Sign For Your Ale

Signage has existed almost as long as systems of informal bartering have been replaced by recognisable systems of retail, with three early civilisations known to use signage and Ancient Rome having sophisticated systems of representative signage. The most recognisable of these is the “bush”, which represented taverns where alcohol was served and is part of the reason why so many taverns have a name with the word “bush" in it.

By the Middle Ages, deep into the era of guilds and their signage, there were established conventions for wrought iron signage, but despite many unwritten rules, signage remained optional for retail traders, although many would have a distinct, clear set of signage designed to make it clear to people who could not read any words on the sign.

 However, with public houses, taverns and inns, it was not just a matter of marketing savvy but of legality, particularly by 1389 thanks to a law passed by King Richard II. The law stated that anyone who “shall brew ale” and planned to sell it to customers was legally required to hang a sign, or they were to “forfeit” said ale. Whilst it might seem like an unusual law in a modern context, the quality of beer was far more important in the Middle Ages. During a time when water sanitation was effectively nonexistent and in the wake of the Black Death, it was often the case that beer and other alcoholic drinks were healthier and more hygienic than a lot of water supplies.

 The idea behind the signage rule is that an ale conner or an inspector of ale in a particular region would be able to clearly see which places were selling alcohol and ensure that the quality of the drink was of a high enough standard and was sold at a proper price. The aim was to avoid fraud and adulteration of ale during a time when its quality was even more important to public health than it is today. A publican was even prosecuted in 1393 for his failure to display a sign, and similar legislation spread across Europe.

Whilst pub licensing and inspection is very different today than it was in the Middle Ages, the signs have remained, many with elaborate ironwork.

If you are looking for a metal sign for your farm, pub or other business, contact Black Fox Metalcraft today.