Preston Pub Study The Grey Friar

Tweet

One of two bars in the city of Preston owned by the J D Wetherspoons chain (the other one being The Twelve Tellers). The origins of the Grey Friar name and sign comes from the Franciscan Monastery that was the centre of the then town’s Catholic development. Though the original Friar’s Lane location of the monastery is now called Marsh Lane, this pub is located on the corner of Friargate nearest the pedestrianized shopping area of the city. The monastery dating from approximately 1220 was among many dissolved by Henry 8th during the Protestant Reformation started in 1534. The Franciscans had been important to Preston for over 300 years. The nicely drawn glasss sign, spoilt by an obstructive night light, shows a Friar guzzling a drink, most probably mead, while also clutching a jug ready to refill his glass quickly. He’s not going to be sober for long at that rate. Arthur Chappell