Often pubs have very self-explanatory names, like The Old Jail in Bromley, which was believed to be a former stop off for prisoners being transported between Kent to London.
But sometimes it’s not always as clear why our favourite boozers have the names that they do.
Sometimes for an old pub its name may have changed a few times throughout the years from the time it was first built, so the meanings have also changed.
As part of a new series delving into the meanings behind south east London’s local pub names, we’re beginning in the historic area of Chislehurst in Bromley.
Well known for its historic caves dating back to the 13th century, this part of Bromley is also home to a total of 11 pubs you can stop off at.
The Cockpit
This CAMRA award-winning pub, which earned the title of Best Bromley Pub at the CAMRA Awards 2023, is a popular spot with rustic seating and floral displays.
Located on Chislehurst Common, this was once believed to have earned its name from being situated near the remnants of a bomb crater following an air raid in 1918 during World War I.
But according to authors Darrell Surgeon and Roy Hopper in their book Discover Chislehurst, the pub is actually thought to have earned its name from being near an ancient cockpit during medieval times – although the practice of cock fighting has long since been outlawed.
The Bull’s Head
Found on Chislehurst’s Royal Parade, this Grade II listed pub dates to the 1750s after it replaced an even older inn with the same name.
The Bull’s Head earned its name due to its connection with the Neville family, Lords of the Manor of Chislehurst, whose crest was a bull’s head.
The Crown
A very common pub name, this 150-year-old pub earned its name from a former coaching inn that it replaced that was formerly on Crown Road.
The previous inn was there from 1832, before the current pub replaced it when it was built in 1874.
The Bickley Arms
Originally named the Station Masters Hotel before it was renamed to its current name – The Bickley Arms – in 1891, this pub was a popular place to visit and stay due to being so close to Chislehurst Caves.
The Gordon Arms
The Gordon Arms was named after General Charles Gordon, who fought in The Crimean War and defended Khartoum against Sudanese rebels.
The current pub building dates back to the 1930s and is built in a mock Tudor style.
The pub replaced a former beer house that was on the site from the 1860s, which was also named after General Gordon.
