Thursday 9 July 2015

The George & Dragon at Cheadle


The George and Dragon Hotel is a Grade II listed public house and former coaching inn dating from 1753. According to the Cheadle Civic Society it started life as a cottage cum alehouse by the name of "Gibbon's cottage". In 1778, it was bought by an inn owner, together with the newly built house next door. By the 1790s the property was known as the "George Inn" and was kept by a Mr and Mrs Royle, who also ran a profitable sideline in stay making. As coach traffic became increasingly busy, the inn was steadily altered to accommodate a growing influx of travellers. A carriage entry was made through one side of the property, and the cottage on the other side was raised to the full height of the main building.


Towards the end of the 19th century a bay window was added, while the arched, canopied entrance was an early 20th century addition. The "George" became the "George and Dragon" (probably when the king appeared to be losing his mind), and the erstwhile sign of a bunch of grapes was eventually replaced by a colourful representation of St. George and his adversary. In 2012 it was boarded up and for sale but now it is back in business.

A contribution to signs, signs and Skywatch Friday.

14 comments:

  1. I'd love to see that one in person.

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  2. That is a terrific sign. The history of King George is sad, so let's keep it St. George and the Dragon.

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  3. Neat story and I love the sign!

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  4. Quite a sign, and quite an inviting looking place!

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  5. Classy! Tom The Backroads Traveller

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  6. Great sign, I miss a good old English traditional pub ( preferable with a beer garden) looks like a nice place. Thanks for sharing :)

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  7. It looks great - am glad it is back in business and hope it does well.

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  8. I love the sign and the building! Looks like a nice place, great shots. Happy weekend!

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  9. Very English! Great picture.

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  10. Beautiful clock and decoration

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  11. Any body know what the out houses at the rear of George and Dragon was used for?

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