Walking through from Leicester Square to Trafalgar Square I noticed this pub which appeared to have some age and possibly a history. I then noticed there was a blue heritage plaque high up on the wall.
Tom Crib was the British bare - knuckle boxing champion between 1809 and 1822. He had his first fight after returning from the Navy. Cribb became a coal porter at Wapping and was known as the 'Black Diamond'.
This pub which appears to date from the early 1900s was widely known as 'Cribb's Parlour' and featured in Thackery's 'Vanity Fair'. It was also referred to by Conan Doyle in Rodney Stone as 'Tom Cribb's Salon'. The name of the pub was officially changed in 1960 in his honour. So yes this pub does have a history.
It does too. Just looking at it makes you think of history.
ReplyDeletelove addition tho the bigger building
ReplyDeleteGood to come across things like that as you walk round
ReplyDeleteI like the look of the pub. So much charm!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute little building! I'd love to have a pint there.
ReplyDeleteI know this Pub from my visits to my son when he lived in London ! I even made some drawings there How nice that this pub still exists !
ReplyDeleteA nice slice of history, I hope it remains this way for a long time.
ReplyDeleteDiana
That's a fun find. I love the blue and natural wood. Sure makes it stand out against the gray buildings!
ReplyDeleteAs well as a fascinating history it has a wonderful street front presence.
ReplyDeletebare-knuckle fighting - that still goes on in a lot of places these times too
ReplyDeleteI wonder if the spirit of Tom walks the halls at last orders!
ReplyDeleteCheers - Stewart M - Melbourne