British Pubs

[Lady Cop]

most pub signs have a meaning but the legend which pertains to The Wild Man is extremely intriguing. So the folklore states, that many, many years ago a six year old boy named Peter became lost in a wood in Germany. Around six years later the boy had grown wild, and in naked form would prowl the woods, living alongside the resident animals. Eventually he was found and picked up by a travelling showman who exhibited throughout Europe. St Mary’s Northchurch adds more to the legend for within its walls there is an inscription which reads:

To the memory of Peter, known as the Wild Boy, having been found wild in the forest of Hertswold nearHanover in the year 1725. He then appeared to be about 12 years old. In the following year he was brought to England by the order of the late Queen Caroline, and the ablest masters were provided for him.But proving himself incapable of speaking, or of receiving any instruction, a comfortable provision was made for him at a farm in this parish, where he continued to the end of his inoffensive life. He died on the 22^nd of February, 1785, supposed to be aged 72.

Peter’s tombstone can be found in front of the church porch and simply reads: PETER the Wild Boy 1785.
Around 1751 Peter was housed at the public house and in the past the sign would depict the unfortunate chap as a demonic character amid flickering flames. Now, the pub sign shows him frequenting the forest alongside bears.




Bath




Fulking, West Sussex