Preston Pub Sign Study The Lamb And Packet

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A lovely sign, for a pub dating from 1807, which was physically moved back fifteen feet in 1876 when Friargate (the road on which it stands) was widened. This was a rough and violent area to live and work in during the 18th century. The lamb seems tranquil enough however in its pastoral setting, with the packet boat representing encroaching commerce and industry that will soon build up the township and city finishing off its happy field forever. The use of the Lamb as a symbol of Preston is well known of course. It represents Christ on the city coats of arms, as well as the shirts of Preston North End football club’s players and this pub’s name echoes that as did the now closed Lamb Hotel on Church Street. The sign also reflects the gentle lamb of William Blake’s Songs Of Innocence And Experience, which also moves from innocent rural naivety to disruption and change due to the industrial, and political and spiritual changes of the new age. The pub is in a great location to serve both the shoppers and students in Preston. Arthur Chappell