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Onomastics - Pub Names

Three Tuns

Posted by Rob Baxter, 26th Apr 2006

A common name occurring in 60 locations across the British Isles it derives its name from the wooden containers which wine would have been delivered to taverns, inns and hotels in the days before glass bottles and plastic cartons. Specifically one tun= 210 gallons of wine. The number three is relevant because it can be found on the coat of arms of the Worshipful Company of Vintners (wine importers and distributors). The Company received a Charter in 1364 from King Edward III, which granted it a monopoly of trade with Gascony, followed in 1437 by a grant of incorporation. The Company's extensive powers over the trade are still reflected in the privilege of some free Vintners of selling wine at approved sites free of excise licence.



Three Tuns can be found at Ashwell (Herts), Gateshead, Hay on Wye, Marylebone (London), Thirsk (Yorks)

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