tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789818545139773561.post3327992267447258529..comments2024-03-20T12:34:07.390+00:00Comments on Brew Wales: Axe the Beer TaxBrew Waleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05292297218879265192noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5789818545139773561.post-43857014727389453962008-11-28T23:06:00.000+00:002008-11-28T23:06:00.000+00:00When the monasteries were destroyed by Henry VIII ...When the monasteries were destroyed by Henry VIII in the 16th Century pubs took over as providers of warmth, shelter, beer and a community focus. They became unofficial employment exchanges, the venue for paying wages and even extended rudimentary banking services. <BR/><BR/>Craftsmen and trade guilds met at pubs bearing their names eg Masons or Carpenters Arms. A worker new to an area would head for the aptly named pub where landlords often provided credit until he was established in business.<BR/><BR/>They have provided roadside food and shelter to Roman soldiers, stage coaches, canal workers and train travellers.<BR/><BR/>When the Victorian Friendly Societies were established to provide welfare services to the working man they too met in pubs that took their names eg Forresters or Oddfellows. <BR/><BR/>Pubs have been the centre of community life for centuries and always much more than a place to buy beer. We should not let them go without a fight. <BR/><BR/>Imagine a modern soap opera without a pub - doesn't work, does it?<BR/><BR/>Elaine Saunders<BR/>Author: A Book About Pub Names<BR/><A HREF="http://www.completetext.com" REL="nofollow">Complete Text</A><BR/><A HREF="http://www.book-about.blogspot.com" REL="nofollow">It’s A Book About….blog</A>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com