The Lamb, Bloomsbury facts for kids
The Lamb is a very old and special building in Bloomsbury, London. It's a type of building called a pub, which is a place where people can meet and relax. This pub is so important that it's officially protected as a Grade II listed building. This means it has historical value and its original features must be kept safe.
Contents
What is The Lamb?
The Lamb is located at 94 Lamb's Conduit Street in a part of London called Bloomsbury. It's a traditional English pub, known for its history and unique style. Many pubs in London are very old, but The Lamb has some features that are now very rare.
A Look Back in Time
The Lamb pub was first built a long, long time ago, in the 1720s. That's almost 300 years ago! Imagine all the history that has happened since then. The pub has seen many changes in London over the centuries.
How it Got its Name
Both the pub and the street it's on, Lamb's Conduit Street, are named after a man called William Lamb. He lived much earlier, in 1577. William Lamb helped build a special water system called a conduit along the street. This conduit was like an old-fashioned pipeline that carried water.
Special Features Inside
The Lamb pub was updated during the Victorian era. This was a time in British history from 1837 to 1901, when Queen Victoria was on the throne. During this update, some interesting features were added or kept.
The "Snob Screens"
One of the most unique things about The Lamb is its 'snob screens'. These are special glass panels that were put in place so that wealthier customers didn't have to see the bar staff directly, and the staff couldn't see them clearly either. It was a way to create a bit of privacy and separation back then. Not many pubs still have these screens today, which makes The Lamb very special.
Famous Visitors
Over the years, The Lamb has been a popular spot for many people, including some very famous writers. It's interesting to think about who might have sat in the same spots you could visit today!
Writers Who Visited
One of the most famous writers linked to The Lamb is Charles Dickens. He lived nearby and it's believed he often visited the pub. Dickens wrote many classic novels about London life. Later, other well-known writers, Ted Hughes and Sylvia Plath, also spent time at The Lamb. Ted Hughes was a regular visitor, and he even chose The Lamb as the place to meet Sylvia Plath when their relationship was just beginning.
