A hidden Tudor pub that once sheltered Catholic priests.
This watercolour captures The Ship Tavern at 12 Gate Street, Holborn, tucked down a narrow alleyway at the western corner of Lincoln's Inn Fields, its wood-panelled walls and leaded windows giving little away from the street.
Established in 1549 during the reign of King Edward VI, the pub is one of London's oldest, its name said to derive from shipping on the now underground River Fleet, which once ran through Holborn and linked the area to the Thames.
The current building dates from 1923 but retains a richly atmospheric interior of dark wood panelling, vintage candelabras, stained glass, and a cosy first-floor dining room.
Interesting facts...
During the English Reformation, when Catholicism became illegal, The Ship Tavern served as an "underground" church for London's hidden Catholics. Banned priests conducted Mass from a pulpit cleverly disguised as the bar, while spotters watched for the King's officials and the pub would transform into a rowdy pub clientele at a moment's notice. Such a clever ruse.
Some of the original hidden passages and panels still exist within the building. The pub is rumoured to be haunted, with mysterious figures seen sitting at tables and glasses moving on their own.
The Ship was officially consecrated as a Masonic Lodge in 1736 by the then-Grand Master, the Earl of Antrim. Famous figures associated with the pub include the greatly named Richard "Trusty Dick" Penderell, who aided Charles I's escape after the Battle of Worcester in 1651. Antiquarian John Bagford, French diplomat and spy Chevalier d'Eon were also regulars. Shakespeare is even suggested to have visited.
The pub served those attending executions in nearby Lincoln's Inn Fields, including Catholics Robert Morton and Hugh More in 1588, Anthony Babington in 1586, and Lord Russell in 1683.
The pub's name is linked to the River Fleet, which ran through Holborn in the 16th century, attracting dock workers and possibly smugglers and pirates. alot for a small pub!
Location: 12 Gate Street, Holborn, London WC2A 3HP
