By: William Jackson
Submitted: 2009-08-29 06:14:52 | Word Count: 560
The main action in Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales takes place at an inn. The inn keeper plays a prominent role in enticing the pilgrims to tell tales which gives us valuable insight into the life and social standing of the pilgrims. A masterpiece in the field of English literature, this work by Chaucer introduces us to the social life of London, the capital of United Kingdom. ‘Pubs’, therefore, had an existence in the social life of London for a very long time.
‘London’ has a character of its own and has served as a great example for the study of culture and the different classes in its society. A debate exists about the real inhabitants of London who gave this city a posh social life. While some claim it to be the landed gentry, others hold the opinion that it was the so called ‘upper classes’ that strongly influenced the social and cultural scenario of London. It was with their activities in the city for the purpose of business as well as leisure that led to the birth of places of entertainment in London’s life.
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However, if we look back in history we can see that it was primarily the Romans who introduced the ‘pub’ concept in England. What they actually had was known as ‘taverns’ that were like popular hangouts serving both food and wine. Taverns gradually faded out and ‘alehouses’ came into the scenario. The next step was the birth of ‘pubs’, which are also termed as Inns, bars and lounges. The concept of ‘pubs’ was not washed away with time from London’s life as it was a part of the rich culture and history of the city.
With time, the importance of pubs in London’s life grew stronger. Pubs, better known as public houses, are places where people flock to taste some great wine accompanied with food and entertainment. Pubs in London are popular commercial ventures as they earn a huge amount of foreign currency. Like in the old days, when pubs served as meeting places for the commoners and high class people, modern day pubs specialize in myriad functions. Some also provide dining and lodging facilities and have turned into ‘family places’.
Nonetheless, they still remain the number one choice of entertainment among London dwellers and visitors from all over the world. Pubs in London serve as prominent business gathering places, social party venues, places to play games, listen to good music and spend memorable moments with your close friends. Pubs in London, however, serve another important purpose. They are the holders of time. The socio cultural life of each notable period is depicted in the interiors of pubs in London. They serve as a mirror in which you can have a glimpse from the past. That is the reason they are like mini museums, a traveler’s paradise. Again, their depiction and constant reference in theatres, dramas and popular soap operas like ‘Rovers Return’ in ‘Coronation Street’ and ‘Queen Vic’ on ‘EastEnders’ has made them claim an indomitable existence in the popular culture of London.
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