Where have all the pubs gone
The Red Lion - Late 17C
The history and site of the Red Lion Pub spans nearly 2,000 years beginning with Roman Tabernae and envolving into the modern public house.
The Roman army brought wine shops and resting places called tabernae to Britain along with newly built roads. Locals adapted these spaces to serve native ale leading to the word tavern.
After the Romans left home-brewed ale became central to communities like Chinnor. Women often brewed ale at home and opened their living rooms to neighbours creating early alehouses. There was one such place open in the High Street Chinnor.
The Red Lion pub today is a thriving hostalry found on the corner of the High Street and Lower Road in Chinnor. It is believed the pub to be late 17th century. It was originally formed from a row of 3 period cottages with many of its original building features still in place, including wooden beams and low ceilings.