Top talk, bar none, on pubs' history

Historic pub names and signs from throughout the Black Country are the subject of talks by Wednesbury historian Ian Bott.

Mr Bott, aged 47, is a former Wednesbury watchmaker and works as a doorman and guide at Walsall Lea-ther Museum.

He said he was inspired to investigate the history of the area's pubs after he was left a box of slides showing old hostelries from throughout the Black Country.

He said: "I was left the slides by the neighbour of a friend of mine and after reading about the decline of the neighbourhood pub I decided to do some research.

The origins of the British pub lie with the church. Large monastic houses had to cater for the pilgrims who would travel for miles to view the relics of the saints so opened as hostels - hence the name hostelry.

"The signs came about because a lot of people were illiterate.

"Originally all the signs were those of a bush - as laurels were associated with Bacchus, the God of wine."

Examples in his collection range from the historic to the witty - including risque Coventry boozer The Climax - named after a famous car engine.

Mr Bott said: "There are some really iconic pubs in the Black Country, all of which I discuss in the talk.

"I also look at nicknames for pubs. The Coachmakers Arms in Bridge Street Wednesbury was known by all the locals as The Pretty Bricks because of its ornate frontage.

"There is also the iconic Crooked House in Himley. This is well-known all over the country, but not many people know this is just a nickname - its true title is The Glynne Arms."

Mr Bott will be giving his next talk to the West Bromwich History Society on Friday. The group meets at All Saints Church, in All Saints Way, from 7.30pm