Pub Sign Study The Bakers Vaults Stockport

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Nothing to do with food and catering, Bakers is a family name in this case. A pub has existed on this site since at least the 1770’s though the original inn was called The George And Dragon, and twice the size of the 19th century Baker’s Vaults now standing on the edge of the Stockport town centre Market Place. A group of army soldiers were given a billet here in the 1820’s. The Bakers, who were owners and landlords in the 19th century, were powerful and influential local merchants, who owned many businesses in Stockport and gained considerable respect in the communities. Charles Baker, the second of the family to own The George And Dragon, entered local politics, serving as an elected councillor and as mayor of Stockport. The original pub was demolished as part of a plan to roof the then open-air street market, a roof design that it retains to this day. The new pub was opened with the name Baker’s Vaults in the 1920’s. The Bakers were keen wine merchants as eager to promote quality wines as well as ales, and the word Vaults refers to their extensive wine cellars. Charles Baker was often criticised by political rivals for running a bar serving gin and wines. This was a time when cheap gin was leading to considerable social unrest and pubs were under attack by religious temperance & teetotal movements. Charles Baker’s pub brewed its own ale on site, rather than depending on outside breweries. The pub was originally partitioned into various smaller rooms, or snugs served via hatches in the central bar area. Now a popular live music venue, the Robinson’s Brewery owns the pub. The sign depicts a black on yellow book illustration style drawing in deep lines, of Charles Baker, grinning down at the onlooker, showing some pride in his premises and the town he served so memorably for many years. This has since been replaced by a far less appealing sign. Arthur Chappell