What's in a name? The stories and mysteries behind 10 Sunderland pub signs

Most pubs are named for no obvious reason. Others have common names such as the Red Lion and King’s Head, probably taken off-the-peg.

Published 29th Jan 2021, 12:28 GMT

Updated 8th Feb 2022, 17:15 GMT

But some hostelries have a fascinating history attached to their names. Here are 10 Sunderland bars with names worth talking about. Some of the reasons behind the names are not as obvious as you might think.

The names of these pubs have a collective history of hundreds of years.

1. pjimage (69).jpg

The names of these pubs have a collective history of hundreds of years. Photo: Sunderland Echo

This pub sits on Ayres Quay previously in the geographical heart of Sunderland’s legendary shipbuilding industry. It takes its name from the tough saltgrass that used to cover the area before the shipyards completely dominated. Like the shipyard workers, saltgrass is robust and durable. Named for its ability to withstand highly saline conditions, its scientific name is 'distichlis spicata'; but that would have been a rubbish name for a pub.

2. The Saltgrass, Deptford - in Sunderland even the grass is tough

This pub sits on Ayres Quay previously in the geographical heart of Sunderland’s legendary shipbuilding industry. It takes its name from the tough saltgrass that used to cover the area before the shipyards completely dominated. Like the shipyard workers, saltgrass is robust and durable. Named for its ability to withstand highly saline conditions, its scientific name is 'distichlis spicata'; but that would have been a rubbish name for a pub. Photo: Stu Norton

The building which houses this wonderful pub was never actual stables as its name and horsey paraphernalia might suggest. The stables were for the riding school next door, on land now occupied by housing. What is now The Stables became a pub in the 1990s, having previously been the West Herrington Riding Club. It’s the closest you can get to a country pub without leaving Sunderland.

3. The Stables, West Herrington - horsey heritage

The building which houses this wonderful pub was never actual stables as its name and horsey paraphernalia might suggest. The stables were for the riding school next door, on land now occupied by housing. What is now The Stables became a pub in the 1990s, having previously been the West Herrington Riding Club. It’s the closest you can get to a country pub without leaving Sunderland. Photo: Kevin Brady

One of the great Sunderland pubs, the Vaults has been around since 1873. Previously The Museum and Curiosity Vaults, it's assumed there must be a story behind such a fabulous name, but we’re stumped. It has been run by the Wilson family since 1978 and they have made assiduous efforts to research its history, to no avail. Can any reader put us out of our misery on this one?

4. The mystery of The Museum (and Curiosity) Vaults

One of the great Sunderland pubs, the Vaults has been around since 1873. Previously The Museum and Curiosity Vaults, it's assumed there must be a story behind such a fabulous name, but we’re stumped. It has been run by the Wilson family since 1978 and they have made assiduous efforts to research its history, to no avail. Can any reader put us out of our misery on this one? Photo: Tony Gillan