Inn signs probably originated with the Romans, when vine leaves would be displayed outside taverns to show that they sold wine. The equivalent in Britain was small evergreen bushes hung outside, and early pubs also used long poles or 'ale stakes' to show that they sold beer — together with the bushes if they also sold wine. In later times, by about the twelfth century, it had become common for taverns to have names. However, the great majority of the population were unable to read or write at the time, and so pictorial signs were used to indicate the names.
In 1393 Richard II ordered that all pubs and inns had to display a sign, so they could be recognised by the official Ale Taster. Ever since then a wide variety of inn signs have reflected British history, people, events and tastes.
Probably the commonest pub name of all is the Red Lion: a 2009 television documentary reported that there were over 600 in Britain with this name. It dates from the time of James I of England and VI of Scotland, who came to the throne in 1603. He decreed that Scotland's heraldic red lion must be displayed on all important buildings — which included pubs.
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