The Rummer Tavern

The following entry from Cunningham's London in 1850 harks back to the earlier century. However, is it possble to see some of the humour of the day in Cunningham's recording. Here we have a poem recalling an uncle's teaching of his nephew how to doctor wine with cider. The same uncle is then stoutly in defence of the claim that he has been shaving off bits of coin to "his own advantage". The offer of 10 guineas to uncover the identities of his accusers (before trial) is not the sign of a man who is happy for the law to take its own course! And then Cunningham, by way of footnote almost, lets us know that an infamous highway man started his career at this very pub.


RUMMER TAVERN (The) A famous tavern, two doors from Locket's, between Whitehall and Charing Cross, removed to the water-side of Charing Cross in 1710, and burnt down Nov 7th, 1750. No traces exist. It was kept in Charles II's reign by Samuel Prior, uncle of Matthew Prior, the poet.
The prior family ceased to be connected with it in 1702.

“My uncle, rest his soul! When living,
Might have contriv'd me ways of thriving:
Taught me with cider to replenish
My vats or ebbing tides of Rhenish
So when for hock I drew prikt white-wine
Swear't had the flavour, and was right wine.”

Prior to Fleetwood Shepeard.

“there having been a false and scandalous report that Samuel Pryor, vintner at the Rummer, near Charing Cross, was accused of exchanging money for his own advantage, with such as clip and deface his Majesty's coin, and that the said Pryor had given bail to answer the same. This report being false in every part of it, if any person who shall give notice to the said Pryor, who have been the fomenters or dispensers of this malicious report, so as a legal prosecution can be made against them, the said Pryor will forthwith give 10 guineas as a reward”
London Gazette, May 31st to June 4th, 1688.

Here jack Sheppard committed is first robbery by stealing two silver spoons. The Rummer is introduced by Hogarth into his picture of “Night”.

Hand-Book of London
Past and Present

Peter Cunningham, F.S.A.

John Murray
Albemarle Street
London

1850

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