An existing pub taken over by Wetherspoon, The Punch Bowl has been at the corner of Blossom Street and Nunnery Lane since 1770. The sign of the punch bowl dates from the end of the 17th century, when it became the sign of the Whig party. Punch was the fashionable drink favoured by the Whigs, while the Tories preferred more traditional drinks, like claret.
An extract taken from The National Gazette or Great Britain and Ireland, published in London 1868.
The text reads: York, a market town, parliamentary borough, a city and county of itself, on the borders of the East and West Ridings of the county of York. It is situated 198 miles north west of London by road, or 191 by Great Northern and 220 by North Midland railways. It is one of the most famous as well as one of the most ancient towns of England.
It has been the scene of many turbulences: intricately woven in its history are Romans, Anglo – Saxons and Danes: its proximity to the Scottish borders, and Lancashire have contributed to the battles. It has been visited by almost every King and found to be on the opposing side to some.
The church has played a significant role in York’s history: contention in the past between the Archbishops of York and Canterbury finally settled by the Pope in 1176.
The remaining buildings of this august city are evidence enough of its rich and diverse history.
Photographs of old York.
Prints of New Walk and Station Hotel.
External photograph of the building – main entrance.
If you have information on the history of this pub, then we’d like you to share it with us. Please e-mail all information to: pubhistories@jdwetherspoon.co.uk