I’ve warned BC that during our time in London, we’ll be stopping in many an English pub. British pubs have a very congenial feel to them. Conversation feels highly spirited and fun, the beer’s always cold and fresh, and there’s just something about those quirky signs beckoning in passers-by.

Ever wonder where those iconic signs came from? Back in the Middle Ages, a large portion of the population was illiterate. Therefore, pub owners illustrated the name of their pubs. There were even pubs which didn’t have a name – a name was later derived from the illustration on the pub sign. Brilliant.

Here are some examples of vintage British pub design:

Via Eron Johnson Antiques

All images via Tonkin of Nantucket Antiques unless noted otherwise.