Old Country Inns of England

The author traces the development and variety of England's historic inns, grouping them by origins—manorial, monastic, guild, coaching and wayside—and describing their architecture, signs, furnishings, and social functions. The text blends local anecdotes, literary and sporting associations, and tales of haunted houses with practical discussion of innkeeping, the travelling commercial customer, and the public house's place in community life. Chapters survey historic signs and curious signboards, inns linked to art and literature, and reforms and adaptations proposed to make old inns serve modern social needs while preserving their character.