LITERARY PUBS: THE KINGS HEAD, CHIGWELL

Of all literary figures, Charles Dickens must surely win the prize for most pubs frequented.  And some of these watering holes have formed the inspiration for inns featuring in his works of fiction.  The Maypole Inn, which plays a key role in Barnaby Rudge, is based on the King’s Head Inn in Chigwell, Essex, although the Maypole name came from an inn called the Maypole, now closed, in Chigwell Row.  The inn is introduced right at the start of the novel, and is central to the story as a communal hub which is later destroyed by rioters.

The King’s Head no longer exists as a pub, having ceased trading in 2011.  However, the building now houses a Turkish restaurant called Sheesh, a favourite with celebrities which has featured in the TV series The Only Way Is Essex.

Chigwell, the former King's Head public house now Sheesh (1) - geograph.org.uk - 2389001. Photo by Nigel Cox, via Wikimedia Commons.

Map of the area.