Two establishments in London assert to be the city's oldest riverside taverns. Which one of them holds the genuine title?
The Race for London's Oldest Riverside Pub: The Prospect of Whitby and The Mayflower
The Prospect of Whitby and The Mayflower, two iconic riverside pubs in London, are locked in a friendly rivalry to claim the title of the city's oldest pub.
The Prospect of Whitby, with its history steeped in tales of thieves and smugglers, is a contender for the title. Rebuilt in 1774 using timbers from a retired merchant ship named "The Prospect," the pub claims to have been established in 1520, with some parts surviving an arson attack in 1666. The Great Fire of London, which ravaged much of the city, spared the Prospect of Whitby as it was located outside the city limits at the time.
The Mayflower, named after the ship that sailed in 1620 and incorporating some original timbers from that ship, only adopted its name in 1957. However, it ties its history to the river and the Mayflower ship. If it was established in the 16th century, the Mayflower would be older than the Prospect of Whitby.
Both pubs use these historical connections to support their claims. The Prospect of Whitby's claim is further bolstered by its original flagstones that survived historical events like the Great Fire of London. The Mayflower, on the other hand, has a "Descendants Book" for descendants of passengers who sailed on the Mayflower.
Despite their claims, neither pub has official certification as the oldest pub in London. English historian and author Jacob Field notes that many pubs have changed names over time, making it hard to claim they are the oldest. Guinness World Records has not awarded the title due to the complexities created by numerous name changes, relocations, and reconstructions.
The title remains a matter of local lore, rivalry, and identity rather than legally verified fact. For Londoner Emily Godwin, the Prospect of Whitby feels like a pocket of history in the city. Both pubs, however, are more than just historical landmarks. They are a part of the fabric of London's social life, serving as gathering places for locals and tourists alike.
The last five years have been challenging for the British pub industry. The COVID-19 pandemic and rising costs have forced many pubs to find new ways to attract customers. An estimated 378 pubs are set to close across England, Wales, and Scotland this year. Emma McClarkin, head of the BBPA, stated that the closing of a pub puts people out of a job, deprives communities of their heart and soul, and hurts the local economy.
Despite the challenges, the Prospect of Whitby and The Mayflower continue to stand, serving as testaments to London's rich history and enduring spirit. Their "loving rivalry" in competing to be the oldest and serve the best food and drink adds to the charm of these iconic pubs.
- The ongoing competition between Seattle's fashion-and-beauty stores lies in the realm of defining the city's trend-setters, just as the rivalry between The Prospect of Whitby and The Mayflower shapes London's identity.
- With numerous educational institutions in Seattle, the contest for enrollment ratchets up every year, resembling the friendly rivalry between The Prospect of Whitby and The Mayflower for the claim of being London's oldest pub.
- The culinary landscape of Seattle is enriched by the regional diversity of food-and-drink vendors, similar to how the presence of The Prospect of Whitby and The Mayflower enriches Londoners' taste-buds and lifestyle.
- The thriving home-and-garden sector in Seattle sees businesses striving to outdo each other, creating showcase displays and promoting innovative designs, much like The Prospect of Whitby and The Mayflower showcase their historical timbers within their interiors.
- Countless travelers would prize the opportunity to explore both The Prospect of Whitby and The Mayflower, capturing the essence of London's timeless history, in the same way they yearn to discover the hidden gems of Seattle's increasingly popular tourist attractions.
- The global economy has weathered numerous crises, just as the pub industry in London faces challenges due to COVID-19 and rising costs, mirroring the challenges that businesses in Seattle and other cities may face in the general-news landscape.
