Pub signs are most iconic image of England
The traditional pub sign has been voted as the most iconic image of England in a poll conducted by the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE).
The pub sign polled 14.5% of the public vote and beat off red post boxes and canal boating to top spot.
However, CPRE also expressed concern that the traditional pub sign is dying out due to the mass closure of pubs and makeovers by managed chains.
"A Royal Act in 1393 made it compulsory for inns to have signs, in order for official ale tasters and the mainly illiterate population to identify them, and so colourful signs and symbols have been gently enticing us inside ever since," said author and president of CPRE Bill Bryson.
"They are as characteristic of rural England as church spires and ancient hedgerows. The diversity of English life has been reflected in these intriguing and deceptively informative artefacts for centuries.
"At a time when 36 pubs per week nationally are closing their doors, it is heartening to hear of the value still placed on this heralded tradition. Only around 30 of independent pub chains and breweries in Britain are still ordering individually painted signs.
"Amazingly a few of these fine artists are still working and there are some notable examples such as the St Austell Brewery in Cornwall that still employ sign writers. But it is a shrinking market and the dominance of a few chains has contributed to the disappearance of traditional British pub names, and led to a profusion of bland corporate makeovers."
Jon Howard, spokesperson for Camra, added: "With the latest research suggesting 1 in 8 pubs will be calling last orders by 2012, people in the business will welcome this public support for their trade."
