Blue Bell Cider House (2) - sign, Warings Green Road, Hockley Heath near Solihull

Image: © P L Chadwick Taken: 24 Nov 2012

More of a red bell than a blue one, but this old public house continues to sell a good range of ciders as well as other drinks. The name of the Bell is quite a popular one and reflected the close association that the church had with inns and taverns in the past and particularly in medieval times. Many religious establishments brewed church ales which were sold to increase income. The sound of the church bell was heard far and wide, particularly in the days before the noise of motor traffic etc. Frequently there would be a pub located fairly near to the church, as in the case with this pub. This is not a medieval pub but it remained a popular name up to Victorian times, as a symbol that was easily recognised at a time when many people were unable to read and write. Image Image

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