CAMRA scheme to credit historical pubs
Pubs with a special place in history are being recognised by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).
CAMRA has researched pubs across the country that have played a pivotal role in historical events for its Pubs In Time project.
The scheme was launched to coincide with National Pubs Week 2006, which runs until Saturday, February 25.
After months of delving into the history of the nominated venues, CAMRA - assisted by London School of Economics academic Simon Davies - has shortlisted 14 pubs which it feels are worthy of being awarded a specially-designed Pubs In Time plaque.
CAMRA's chief executive Mike Benner explained: "We are delighted to be able to present these plaques during National Pubs Week, an event dedicated to getting more people interested in visiting their local and realising what an important part pubs can play in the identity of an area. Hundreds of pubs across the country have a story to tell, and these 14 are only the beginning.
"We want to encourage more licensees to come forward and apply for Pubs In Time accreditation, which we expect will soon be considered as a stamp of authenticity for the incredible stories surrounding pubs handed down through the years."
Pubs to be honoured include a Cambridge pub where two scientists announced the discovery of DNA, an Oxford pub where writers including JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis would meet to discuss their works, and a Peterborough pub where Stilton cheese was first sold.
The nominated pubs will each receive plaques featuring a brief synopsis of the event that took place in their pub, to place behind the bar for visitors to see.
Mr Benner added: "Momentous scientific discussions, such as the discovery of DNA, took place in a pub, as well as pivotal military events, with pubs hosting meetings between such luminaries such as the Duke of Wellington and the Emperor of Russia."
A CAMRA spokesman also added that the organisation had so far received more than 50 entries from people searching for their perfect pub as part of its Real Ale Pub Doctor scheme. For more information visit www.pubsweek.org.
