A public house has been recorded on this site from around 1830. In 1924 Robinson's Brewery acquired the building on Prince's Street and rebuilt it within a decade. It is Grade II listed.
The mock Tudor exterior hides a stunning C20th interior. According to the splendid Etymological Compendium http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=IJwRAAAAIAAJ&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false the word "Necks" derives from the "nicks" carved into swans' beaks to denote ownership. The importance of proving ownership comes from the fact that any swan found without markings belongs to the Royal Family. Two livery companies (ancient trade federations) have the right to own/mark swans, one being the Vintners', hence, apparently the link to the pub trade.
Now that is a memorable nap!
ReplyDeleteVerrrry interesting - I wonder what the history is behind the name...
ReplyDeleteThe sort of pub that appeals to me!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to see a swan with two necks! lol
ReplyDeleteLeslie
abcw team
The mock Tudor exterior hides a stunning C20th interior. According to the splendid Etymological Compendium http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=IJwRAAAAIAAJ&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false the word "Necks" derives from the "nicks" carved into swans' beaks to denote ownership. The importance of proving ownership comes from the fact that any swan found without markings belongs to the Royal Family. Two livery companies (ancient trade federations) have the right to own/mark swans, one being the Vintners', hence, apparently the link to the pub trade.
ReplyDeleteNow that's what I call sticking your necks out. :-)
ReplyDelete