59 
SOME OLD ENGLISH INNS. 
(Illustrated by the Lantern). 
By Rev. C. S. SARGISSON. March 23 rd, 1909. 
Alter a brief reference to the somewhat obscure origin of 
inns in this country, the Lecturer dealt with the subject specially 
from the fourteenth century downwards. A distinction was 
drawn between the mere ale-house of Saxon times and the 
succeeding “ ale-stake ” of Chaucer’s day, which made pro- 
vision for the needs of the passing traveller only, and the 
hostel which provided board and lodging for the sojourner. 
The monastic origin of the “ guest-house ” was touched upon, 
and several pictures of such guest-houses and of the 
“Pilgrims’ Inns’’ of a rather later period, were exhibited, 
and it was shewn how the abuse of hospitality on the part 
of those who could afford to pay for entertainment led to 
the “ paying-guest ” system at the “ hospices,’’ and the 
eventual establishment, through the subsidised hostel, of 
the inn proper. 
Proof was given that extensive provision was necessary 
for the much-travelled community in the ages following 
Chaucer’s time, and many illustrations of still-remaining 
old inns were given. “ Signs ” were dealt with episodically, 
and their origin, and the picturesque, quaint, and otherwise 
interesting character of many illustrated. After sketchily 
dealing with the intervening period, the Lecturer spent some 
time on the imposing roadside inns of coaching days, shewing 
some fine examples of these. It was stated that after the 
decline of coaching many of the old inns languished until 
the recent revival of road-travelling by cycle and automobile, 
and that the old houses had now come into their own again 
and had reverted to something approaching their former 
position and use. 
Inns of historic interest were next dealt with, and many 
pictures of such houses at which important historical events 
had happened were placed before the audience. It was noted 
that a number of inns in various parts of the country were 
associated with the disturbed period of Charles the First, 
the Protectorate, and the Restoration. 
