IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Oxford Court, BICESTER, OX25 3QZ

This Grade II listed public house was for some years known as the Black Sheep, but has now reverted to its previous name of Ben Jonson. The name is that of the famous poet and dramatist, who is said to have stayed at the pub on his was to meet William Shakespeare. Although the two men did know each other, whether the connection to this pub is true is unknown. Both men died in the 17th century but the listing says the building dates from the early/mid 18th century. It is possible the current building replaced an earlier one but obviously it would have had a different name. The pub has a dining area and a garden. Image

Previously The Black Sheep which sounds very old and traditional but according to Bob Harvey's picture Image Ben Jonson is not a new name, the pub was called that before.

Pub/restaurant at Weston on the Green. This was known for many years as the 'Ben Jonson', and as such was a famous landmark on the road between Oxford and Northampton. Quite when it became the Black Sheep I do not know, but I miss the former name, as seen in Image . There is a brief description of the life of Jonson and his connection with Weston at http://www.wotg.org.uk/Weston_Hall_Village_History.htm#BenJonson

Only this tiny area is reserved for casual drinking, the rest of the interior is set up as a restaurant

Two-roomed village local; back bar, drinking left and eating right and back; exposed stonework, wooden beams. Cask ales on offer at my visit: Black Sheep Best, Hook Norton Old Hookie, Wells Bombardier Gold. The building is listed (under a different name) by Historic England: http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/Details/Default.aspx?id=408517&mode=adv

The sign shows a quill pen, which would probably have been used by the poet and dramatist Ben Jonson, after whom the pub was named. See:- Image

Also seen in Image

Sign on the path at Image warning that the path is closed at the nearby motorway construction