Ship Tavern, Holborn facts for kids
The Ship Tavern is a very old pub located in London, England. It sits right on the corner of Lincoln's Inn Fields, a famous square. This historic building has been around since 1549, making it over 470 years old! It has a long and interesting history, including a time when it was used for secret meetings.
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The Ship Tavern: A Historic London Pub
The Ship Tavern first opened its doors in 1549. This was a time in England when the country was going through big changes in religion, known as the English Reformation. During this period, practicing Catholicism became against the law.
A Secret Meeting Place
Because of the religious changes, the Ship Tavern became a secret hideout. It was used to shelter Catholic priests and hold private Catholic church services. Imagine a pub being a secret meeting spot for people practicing their faith!
The pub was originally located in an area called Whetstone Park. Over the centuries, the Ship Tavern has seen many changes and has been rebuilt. The current building was put up in 1923.
Famous Visitors Over Time
Many interesting people have visited the Ship Tavern throughout its long history. One famous visitor was Richard Penderell. He was known for helping King Charles I escape during a difficult time in English history.
Another visitor was John Bagford, who was a shoemaker but also loved collecting old books and historical items. John Smeaton, a brilliant engineer who built the famous Eddystone Lighthouse, also spent time at the Ship Tavern.
Rebuilding and New Beginnings
In 1786, the Ship Tavern became a special meeting place for a group called the Freemasons. It was officially made a Masonic lodge, Lodge 234, by their leader, the Earl of Antrim. This shows how important the pub was to different groups over the years.
The building you see today was rebuilt in 1923. Even though it's been updated, it still keeps its historic charm and connection to the past. It continues to be a popular spot in London, welcoming visitors just as it has for centuries.
