Britain's pub sign heritage is unique. Signs record the nation's history and the people who made it, depicting everything from battles to inventions, from sporting heroes to royalty.

Pub signs go back to Roman times. By the 12th century naming of pubs had become common. Because the majority of people could not read or write, pub signs also became popular.

In 1393, King Richard II passed an Act making it compulsory for pubs and inns to have a sign in order to identify them to the official Ale Taster. Ever since then, inn names and signs have reflected British life.

The most common pub name is probably the Red Lion. When the Scottish King James I came to the throne he ordered that the heraldic red lion of Scotland be displayed on all buildings of importance including pubs.

The Crown. Before the Reformation pub names often had religious themes. When Henry VIII split with the Catholic Church pub names were changed to royal themes.

Lamb and Flag. The origin of this name is not certain, but goes back at least to the 4th century. The lamb is associated with John the Baptist who referred to Jesus as "the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world."

The flag was the cross, and the lamb holding the cross was a symbol of the church.

The Victoria. Named after Britain's longest reigning monarch, Queen Victoria.