Hi Bernard,

This may sound a silly question, but: during Saxon times were pubs given names much as is the norm nowadays? It was featured in ‘The Pale Horseman’ (I’ve not long started the Saxon Stories as I was concentrating on ‘Azincourt’, ‘The Fort’, Peter F Hamilton, and James Herbert’s novels for the past several years). I’d assumed they would have called it something based around the man who owned it, like ‘Knut’s Resting Place’, or ‘Bede’s Beer Den’ .

The pubs in question are mentioned on pages 31 and 33 for anyone who’s interested. The earliest pub I’d ever heard of was known during early medieval times – I think it was called ‘The Golden Wheel’ – on a busy commercial route. An expensive establishment but one boasting great food!

I was just wondering if the names are based on historical fact or your own judgement?

Robert Douglas