Why are pubs called black boy?
Isabella Bartlett
Updated on January 13, 2026
One is believed to come from a 'black buoy' which existed in the harbour in the early days of the Inn. Another refers to the nickname given to Charles II by his mother Henrietta Maria of France because of the darkness of his skin and eyes, as well as the fact that Royalists met at the Inn secretly at that time.
Why is The Black Boy called The Black Boy?
Pubs across England called The Black Boy are generally named after King Charles II. It was a nickname coined by his mother because of the darkness of his skin and eyes. King Charles is credited with popularising champagne drinking and yachting in England.Is The Black Boy a real pub?
Tucked away on Wharf Hill, off Chesil Street in Winchester, The Black Boy is still faithful to its origins. Although recognised in most of the well known beer and pub guides, it is still a traditional back-street boozer. The pub has 5 locally brewed real ales and a small selection of good wines.How many pubs are called The Black Boy?
Across England and Wales there are at least 25 different pubs called 'The Black Boy', or similar. Though the name is thought to have a number of origins, including the soot darkened faces of chimney sweeps, it is often thought to be a reference to King Charles II.Why are so many pubs called Black Lion?
Some inns and pubs were named after the coat of arms of prominent landowners. A Black Lion appeared on the coat arms of the Pryse family of Gogerddan who owned many thousands of acres of land in Ceredigion, mostly in the north.Greene King renames three pubs called 'The Black Boy'
Why are pubs called the Alma?
Alma: commemorating the Battle of the Alma which took place in 1854, during the Crimean War.Why are pubs called 3 Horseshoes?
THREE HORSESHOES (24) The Worshipful Company of Farriers' coat of arms dates back to 1356. It depicts three horseshoes to illustrate their trade. COACH AND HORSES (26) Marks an inn where passengers on stagecoaches could eat and drink while the horses were being rested or changed.Why are pubs called White Hart?
Many pubs chose to adopt the name The White Hart, as it was the personal badge of the King. The Crown was also a popular choice, as it meant that during the time where Kings had a relatively short reign time, they could pledge support to the current reigning monarch without needing to change the pub name.Why are pubs called the Queens Head?
The name probably derives from when the pub displayed a picture of Elizabeth I or Queen Victoria on its sign. You won't find a Queen's Head celebrating Elizabeth II just yet—modern protocol dictates that reigning monarchs should not be depicted on pub signs during their lifetime.How old is the Black Boy pub?
It is thought the pub itself dates back around 500 years, but the name Black Boy is more recent. Wherever the name comes from, it's likely it won't be called The Black Boy for much longer as owner Greene King is looking to change it because of its "racial connotations."Where is the Black Boy pub from Friday night dinner?
The Black Boy is a local pub. It is run by Lawrence, who Jim often calls Mike. The pub is often seen to be coated in St George's flags. The Pub serves lager at £3.03 per pint, and a half pint can be bought for £2.Who owns the black boy Winchester?
WATERING HOLE: The Black Boy in WinchesterThe pub is now one of entrepreneur David Nicholson's four properties in the area - the other three being The Black Hole, The Black Bottle, and Michelin Star restaurant The Black Rat.