Pub History

When the Romans arrived and established a proper network of roads in UK, people started travelling a lot. They had to stop somewhere to find shelter in order to quench their thirst; hence the need of the simple ale houses arose.

 

 In 1066, soon after the Britain’s Norman Conquest, pubs started originating in monasteries and abbey breweries. The Normans erected innumerable worship monuments throughout Britain, which attracted several pilgrims from around the world. Many abbeys and monasteries started brewing their own beer for selling to these pilgrims. This led to the establishment of ale houses where people could sit and have a drink or two. As these places were visited by both locals as well as travellers they began to be known as ‘public houses” and also “pubs” in short form.

 

Then there came the ‘Gin Craze’ in 1688, when the Dutch introduced gin to England. Beer and ale producers thwarted gin popularity by establishing more ale houses and marketing ale aggressively. By these efforts, drinking elevated to epidemic proportions causing disorderly behaviour and increase in the rate of crime. In response to this several laws were passed, which required a license for selling alcohol. License issuing was initially done very strictly but today the rules and regulations are much more liberal.

 

However, from 2007, with the ban on smoking in public areas, the scenario of pubs may again undergo a few significant changes. The relaxation of drinking may sound incomplete without the luxury of smoking.

 

So next time when you enter a pub, spare a few moments to toast Britain’s favourite social place with Britain’s favourite drink!!!