Webb’s subsequent feat in distancing all competitors in his six days swim adds another laurel to his crown as the champion swimmer of the world!
Hotels, Inns, Public Houses, and Beershops, in the Parish—their Signs, &c.
Signboards are scarcely so significant or important now as formerly: yet an interest attaches to them still, and there is some pleasure in pondering over their designs, as significant of olden times and manners—the old ones especially. One easily imagines too the jovial tenants of taverns in former years, the noisy chafferings, the political discussions carried on by those who sought recreation and enjoyment in them.
The Three Horse Shoes is the oldest Sign in Madeley; it swings over the door of one of the oldest houses in Madeley, the walls being of rubble, mud, and plaster: and the Sign itself, no doubt, is one of the oldest in the kingdom. A horse shoe, when found and nailed over the door was supposed to bring good luck—hence the single shoe, which is uppermost. The Horse Shoes is kept by Mr. J. H. Robinson.
The Hammer, in Park Lane, kept by Mrs. Lloyd, is the next in point of age. It was a trade emblem when the house was much more used than at present by ironworkers, particularly by forgemen.
The Royal Oak was the first newly-licensed house for many years in Madeley. The license for it was very adroitly obtained by Mr. Charles Dyas. The Sign is a universal favourite, as emblematic of our old ships and seamen. The house is kept by Mrs. Shingler.
The Heart of Oak, in Court Street, kept by Mr. Joseph Currier, is another popular Sign, indicative of character, and illustrative of old national songs.
The Barley Mow, in Court Street, is kept by Mr. Pitchford.
The Crown, Court Street, now void, is one of the oldest English signs.
All Nations, kept by Mrs. Baguley, is the only Sign of its name we know of.