Preston Pub Sign Study The Adelphi

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A popular student bar due to its location perched on the edge of the University Of Lancashire campus, the Adelphi dates back earlier to 1838, when it was built on what was considered to be very rough area – not surprisingly, a previous pub on the same spot had been called The Fighting Cocks, due more than likely to its use as a cock-fighting pit. Adelphi is Greek for Brothers and brotherhood suggesting the pub may have been used in its early days s a Masonic Lodge – the male only Freemasons Society is often called The Brotherhood. Many pubs had lodge meeting rooms before the Masonic Hall was established to draw the town’s Masonic lodges together in one purpose built centre. Today The Adelphi is part of the same Scream Bar chain as the Roper Hall, and a popular place for live entertainment gigs and open mic events. The sign is a very Heraldic one, A red (described in heraldry as Gules) shield represents a willingness to fight and die for queen and country, and can symbolize martyrdom. The fish, which was always a Christian symbol, also represents loyalty and steadfastness. The visored helmet symbolises invincibility and again, fighting and dying or a noble cause. Again, this hints at male bonding and brotherhood as Freemasons are obliged to swear oaths on the monarch, their country and their god. Arthur Chappell