When the old Crown Hotel was demolished in 1970 a new pub arose like a phoenix (as the saying goes), from the ashes.

The Crown Hotel was certainly a large establishment which fronted the High Street and extended into Crane Street.

Records show that the Crown Inn was offered for sale in 1785, when it was stated to be held under the Vicars of the Cathedral. So it was rather appropriate when the brewers, Messers.

Devenish, decided to call their new premises in Crane Street, The King and Bishop.

The new pub sign depicted King Henry III and Bishop Poore who were concerned in 1220 in moving from Old Sarum and establishing New Sarum round the new Cathedral.

Henry III was the then reigning monarch.

There was only one bar in the new pub, and the decor was based on the seven centuries’ old story.

I expect many readers will remember the 16ft. by 4ft. mural that showed the King granting Salisbury its first charter in 1227.

The bar was in regal shades of red and blue and was complimented by a red carpet with woven gold emblems - the crook and mitre, the crook and the cross.

The chairs and wall seats were dark blue and the subdued lighting allowed the mural and its legend to dominate the bar in all its brilliant colours.

Twenty four-year-old Mr DA Brown and his wife were the first managers and they were keen to promote bar catering.

Indeed, the triangular shaped menu cards carried the story of the beginnings of Salisbury as a special appeal to visitors.

I still remember the atmosphere created by the fantastic evenings of live music at the King and Bishop.

But just like the K and B, this now seems to be a thing of the past…

 

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