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Inns having literary associations were then treated at some 
length, nearly thirty prominent authors being named as 
having written, etc., at various inns. Among those illustrated 
were over a dozen visited and described by Charles Dickens. 
After running through a series of presentments of picturesque 
old inns, the lecturer touched on sporting houses (angling 
inns, etc.) ; inns connected with highwaymen — Dick Turpin 
and others ; old inns curiously situated (such as Tan Hill, 
the Cat and Fiddle,” and others) ; the principal inns with 
University associations and interest at Oxford and Cambridge ; 
the Lecturer concluded with reference to the oldest inns 
remaining. It was shewn that the “ Royal Fountain,” at 
Canterbury, as far as definite documentary proof is concerned, 
has claim to be considered the oldest, having been described 
as the best in Canterbury ” by the German Ambassador, 
who stayed there in 1229, and having entertained guests 
as far back as 1070. The house itself, however, is composite, 
and a good deal of it of comparatively modern building. 
Among the oldest inns remaining in practically their original 
condition were mentioned and shewn on the screen, the 
“ Seven Stars,” Manchester, which has held a licence for 
nearly six hundred years ; the “ George and Dragon,” Speld- 
hurst, in the ” oak room ” of which Kentish bowmen held 
revel on their return from Agincourt ; the “ George,” at 
Norton St. Philip’s, which was a licensed house in 1397 and 
earlier. 
In illustration of the various classes of old inns touched 
upon (though definite classification is a difficult matter— there 
being many inevitable over-lappings), considerably over two 
hundred lantern slides were exhibited. 
