Few things typify the English way
of life better than old inns steeped in history. These ancient
hostelries present an image of cosy log fires and ruddy-faced Dickensian
characters making them ideal for picturing on Christmas cards.
Among several sets of cigarette cards on
the subject is Richard Lloyd’s 1923 series of Old English Inns
colourfully featuring 25 prime examples, including The Royal Anchor at
Liphook, Hants, where Nelson used to stop on the way to Portsmouth, The
Kings Head at Chigwell, Essex (Dickens’ Maypole Inn in “Barnaby
Rudge”), The Angel at Grantham where Richard III signed the death
warrant of the Duke of Buckingham, The Lygon Arms at Broadway, Worcs.,
where Cromwell rested, The Old George at Salisbury – another of
Cromwell’s stopovers and where Shakespeare himself is reputed to
have acted in the courtyard theatre – and “The Spaniards”
on Hempstead Heath which, alas, has now closed its doors forever. Let us
hope that the rest of these ancient inns continue to flourish and retain
their place in our heritage.
This set of Richard Lloyd 25 Old English
Inns (1923) in very good condition is catalogued at £40.00.
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