Edward Wheeler’s, the Red Lion, in Helstone, on Tuesday the 12 th day of March next, That his house was an important one in the town may be guessed from the following advertisement that appeared in the Sherborne Mercury of 25 th February 1782. Renovation work undertaken several years ago uncovered a striking 18 th century fireplace holding a fine ironwork fire basket of the same period.Įdward Wheeler appears to have been prominent in Helston affairs over a long period, holding property additional to the inn at Sithney and elsewhere. The main frontage probably dates from the mid-to-late 19 th century although parts of the building are much older. The architecture of the building is quite mixed and the interior has undergone many changes over the years. These records make it probable that the inn dates from the late 17 th or early 18 th century.

Helston Borough licensing recognizances list Edward Wheeler as licensee from 1777 through 1783. John Tressider, innkeeper at the sign of The Red Lyon. Douch, author of Old Cornish Inns and past secretary of the Royal Cornwall Institution, entitled An Account of the Taverns, Brandy Shoppes and Ale Houses in this Borough’, names Mr. An early 18 th century document (certainly pre-1732) catalogued by the late H.L. The Red Lion is – with the possible exceptions of the 15 th century Blue Anchor in Coinagehall Street and Meneage Street’s Bell Inn – the town’s oldest continuously licensed inn. The present Red Lion signage cannot be said to constitute any improvement – aesthetic or artistic – on its predecessors. The hanging sign had been refurbished in workshops attached to the Helston visitor attraction Flambard’s. Both showed a handsome heraldic lion on a pale green background. It is normally shown as the heraldic red lion on a plain background but is occasionally depicted as a real lion or humorously.” Until fairly recently The Red Lion in Helston’s Church Street displayed two signs one mounted on the façade of the building, the other hanging over the pavement. The Red Lion of Scotland is quartered on the shield of Britain and is there shown as a red lion rampant on a gold field. He lived from 1340-1399 and the Red Lion began appearing as pub sign during the following century. “ The Red Lion is the badge of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, the fourth son of Edward III.

Pub Signs by Paul Corballis