The Black Horse.

Naturally, the traditional love of the English for the horse is reflected in inn signs and is one of the most popular of pub names. Such signs date to at least the 14th century. By the 17th century the phrase "black horse" had become the nickname of the 7th Dragoon Guards, who had black collars and cuffs and rode mainly black horses. It is now associated with Lloyd's Bank as well as remaining a popular pub sign.

It has been suggested that some "black" names came about when the Gin Act of 1736 came into force causing tavern owners to drape their signs in black velvet or add black to their pub name. The ready availability and low cost of Gin led to a massive rise in consumption known as the Gin Craze. By the 1730s consumption in London had risen to the equivalent of 2 pints per week for every single Londoner. Politicians and religious leaders began to argue that gin drinking encouraged laziness and criminal behavior. In 1729, With the Gin Act 1736 the government imposed a high license fee for gin retailers and a 20 shillings retail tax per gallon.

Mansfield Brewery Co. One of the UK's largest independent brewers was established in 1855 in Litleworth, Oxfordshire.The Mansfield Brewery Co lettering on one side of the sign has been lost due to years of exposure to the elements.

From The Black Horse Pub located in the shadows of the Art Nouveau Lindley clock tower, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire.

The Black Horse (No. PS379). Dimensions: 29"W x 30"H x 1.5"D. Shipping: $120.