A
The traditional British pub is part of the scenery of British life. At the last count, there are around 50,000 of them in the UK. The oldest — Ye Olde Fighting Cocks in St. Albans — was set up in about 793.
Because of their abundance, the names pubs take were designed to be memorable, but more than that, they were designed to be visual. Outside any traditional pub worthy of its title, you’ll find a hanging signboard with a unique illustration(插图) that represents the name of the business. The practice is so well established that even new pubs copy it. But why do they exist at all?
The first British pub signs were created in the 12th century and were simple representations of beer containers and other brewing-related equipment used to inform passersby that establishments sold beer. This was Britain in the dark ages, when education was in short supply. Since most of the population were unable to read, pub signs were used to inform would-be customers that they could find a drink inside.
The earliest uses of pub names would reference the sign directly. People would arrange to meet at “the sign of the Eagle and Child” rather than at “the Eagle and Child”.
Today the tradition remains unchanged largely out of respect for the past, but many pub signs do have some functionality. Remote country pubs often use signboards to point the way to their doors. It’s a part of British culture that’s rapidly disappearing — more than 20,000 pubs have closed since 1980 — but for now there are still more than enough. You can take a moment to appreciate the history and symbolism behind a pub’s sign the next time you see one.
21. What is special about British pub signs?
A. They copy famous art. B. They show British life.
C. They have unique pictures. D. They include the history of the pub.
22. The first British pub signs were mainly used to ________.
A. inspire passersby B. inform passersby
C. educate passersby D. entertain passersby
23. What is the text mainly about?
A. The history of British pubs.
B. The importance of British pub signs.
C. Why British pubs have illustrated signs.
D. Why British pubs are unpopular nowadays.
